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Warning-sign checks

Ventral hernia repair: when to get help

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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, confusion, or other severe symptoms.

    These are emergency concerns rather than issues to wait on until a routine follow-up visit.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical assessment for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, a hard or very tender bulge, skin over the hernia turning dark or red, or an inability to pass stool or gas.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    For routine advice, contact your surgical team if you have increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, worsening pain, repeated vomiting, trouble passing urine, or swelling that continues to enlarge.

    Also call if the wound opens or you develop a new bulge.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ventral hernia repair. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.