What to Bring and Ask at Your First Hernia Consultation in Melbourne

Your first visit with a surgeon about a possible hernia can feel unfamiliar. This guide explains what usually happens at a hernia consultation, what to bring, and what to ask, so you can get the most out of the time.

This article is general information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor or surgeon about your situation.

Why the consultation matters

At a consultation, the surgeon works out what kind of hernia you have, how it is affecting you, and what your options are. Not every hernia needs an operation straight away. Some people need a plan to keep an eye on symptoms, and others are ready for a repair. The visit is about finding the right next step for you.

What to bring

• A list of your current medicines, including pain relief you buy without a prescription, vitamins and supplements.

• Any allergies you have, especially to medicines.

• Your medical history, including past operations and any health conditions.

• Any scans or reports you already have, such as an ultrasound or CT result.

• A short note of when the lump or pain started, and what makes it better or worse.

• A support person, if having someone with you helps you remember what was said.

What the surgeon will ask

Expect questions about:

• Where you notice the lump or pain, and whether it has changed in size.

• When it hurts, such as when you lift, cough, strain or stand for a long time.

• How it affects work, exercise, sleep and daily tasks.

• Your bowel habits, including constipation or straining on the toilet.

• Any cough that does not go away, whether you smoke, and your general health.

• Any medicines you take that thin the blood.

What the examination involves

The surgeon will usually examine the area where the hernia may be. You may be asked to stand, lie down and cough. This helps show whether a bulge comes through and how large it is. Tell the surgeon if anything feels uncomfortable.

Sometimes a scan is needed, especially if the lump is hard to feel. The surgeon will explain why.

Talking through your options

Your surgeon may talk you through:

• Keeping an eye on the hernia over time, with clear signs to watch for.

• Surgery to repair it, and the main ways it can be done. Your surgeon will explain which approach suits your hernia and your health.

• What each option could mean for your work, exercise and daily life in the weeks after.

All operations carry some risk. Ask the surgeon to explain the risks in plain words, and how they apply to you. Take your time. Many people want to think it over or talk with family before they decide.

Questions you could ask

• What type of hernia do I have?

• Do I need surgery now, or can we monitor it?

• What are my choices, and which one would you suggest for me?

• What are the risks, and how do they apply to me?

• What could recovery look like for me at home, at work and at the gym?

• What signs should make me seek urgent care?

• What are the costs, and what will I need to pay?

• What happens next, and how do I book?

Signs you should not wait for a routine visit

Seek urgent medical care if a hernia suddenly becomes very painful, feels hard and tender, turns dark or discoloured, or cannot be pushed back in. Get urgent help too if you have vomiting, a fever, a swollen belly, or you cannot pass wind or open your bowels. In an emergency, call 000.

After the consultation

Write down the plan and the signs to watch for while the details are fresh. If anything is unclear, contact the practice and ask. You can reach the practice on 0413 625 420 or at info@drzeevsurgery.com.

Book a consultation

Dr Zeev Duieb, General Surgeon, sees patients at 26 Balaclava Rd, St Kilda East VIC 3183, Melbourne. If you have a lump in your groin or abdomen, or pain when you lift or cough, book a consultation to talk through your options.