Proper preparation before your sports hernia surgery is essential for ensuring the best possible outcome. Following pre-operative guidelines not only helps reduce surgical complications but can significantly impact your recovery timeline and overall success.
Taking the time to adequately prepare your body, understand the procedure, and organize your post-surgery support system can make a substantial difference in how quickly and comfortably you recover. Our pre-operative process is designed to equip you with all the information and tools needed for a smooth surgical experience and optimal healing.
Pre-Op Instructions
Your 7-Day Pre-Surgery Timeline: What to Do and When
Pre-Op Consultation
Precision treatment requires complete information: Preparing for your consultation
Complete and submit the Patient Registration Form
Forward copies of recent imaging (MRI, CT, X-Rays, Ultrasounds) with reports
Provide copies of any previous Operative Reports
Send a clearly marked photo indicating your pain location(s)
Submit photos of your Insurance Card (front and back)
Once you have compiled all of the above documents, please email them to info@sportshernia.com or send to:
Dr. Richard Nguyen, DO
15965 Los Gatos Blvd. Suite 201
Los Gatos, CA 95032
PHONE: 408-850-0176
FAX: 408-356-4183
Prepare Your Body
Optimizing your health for surgical success: Important lifestyle adjustments that significantly impact your recovery and outcome
Smoking Cessation
Smoking is the most significant risk factor for hernia repair failure. It damages collagen—a critical structure in wound healing—and repeated coughing strains the surgical site. Dr. Nguyen recommends stopping smoking at least three months before surgery for optimal results.
Weight Management
Carrying excess weight complicates surgery in several ways: tissue planes become difficult to navigate, nerves are harder to identify (increasing injury risk), bleeding sites are more challenging to manage, and procedure time increases significantly. Working toward a healthy weight before surgery greatly improves outcomes.
Respiratory Health
All pulmonary conditions should be properly treated prior to surgery. Coughing places strain on surgical repairs and can compromise sutures, potentially disrupting the repair.
Digestive Health
Addressing chronic constipation before surgery is essential, as straining during bowel movements puts pressure on sutures and can disrupt repairs. Establish regular, comfortable bowel habits before your procedure.
Prostate Health (For Men)
Men with enlarged prostates should consult with Dr. Nguyen or their urologist before surgery. Straining to empty the bladder can pull on sutures and increase the risk of compromising the repair.
Medication Management
Several medications require special attention before surgery. Consult with your primary physician or Dr. Nguyen about managing blood-thinning medications to reduce bleeding risk. Some patients may need to continue these medications despite increased hemorrhage risk due to cardiac or stroke concerns. Anti-inflammatory medications and steroids like prednisone can impair healing and should be properly managed. Weight loss medications must be discontinued three weeks before surgery to prevent blood pressure complications during anesthesia.
Other Health Considerations
Diabetes must be well-controlled before surgery as elevated blood sugar impairs healing and increases infection risk. Your nutritional status is equally critical—adequate protein and vitamin intake support your body's healing mechanisms. Malnourished patients face significant recovery challenges as their bodies lack the resources to repair tissue and fight infection. Optimizing these aspects creates the best foundation for successful outcomes.
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