What Causes Swelling After Hernia Surgery?

Swelling after surgery in the location where the hernia used to be, and for men in the scrotum and penis, is a sign of seroma or benign fluid collection, states Hernia Repair in New York City. Swelling occurs in 15 percent of patients after inguinal hernia surgery and shortly subsides.
The incision from the operation will show some bruising immediately after surgery and will most likely be tender or sensitive, states Hernia Repair in New York City. This will subside gradually after a few days. If either the swelling or the bruising becomes worse or painful, the patient should contact the surgeon.
Men who have hernia surgery can experience considerable swelling and possibly bruising of the penis and scrotum, reports Hernia Repair in New York City. If it happens, the swelling may be considerable. This is a sign that the spot where the hernia used to be has filled with fluid. A natural part of healing, the only treatments doctors typically recommend if this area swells are compression and a binder to relieve pain and discomfort. To help with the healing process, physicians recommend moderate activity, such as walking or using a treadmill with no resistance, as soon as possible after the surgery, but the groin region should be kept loose for 24 hours after the operation. Patients may resume their normal physical activity once the pain from the incision and the swelling, if any, has subsided.