Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Before surgery, go to an emergency department for a suddenly painful or firm hernia that will not go back in, especially with vomiting, abdominal swelling, or inability to pass stool or gas.
After surgery, seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, coughing up blood, or a painful swollen leg.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your surgical team promptly for increasing wound redness, warmth, swelling or drainage, fever, worsening pain, repeated vomiting, difficulty passing urine, or a new groin bulge.
Do not wait for routine follow-up.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Femoral hernia repair. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.