Undergoing surgery can be a daunting experience, and the last thing you want is to develop chronic pain after the procedure. One common side effect of surgery in the groin area is chronic groin pain, and it can significantly impact your quality of life.

As a surgeon, it’s my goal to prevent this type of pain in every patient. In this article, I’ll walk you through what you can do before and after surgery to avoid chronic groin pain.

What Causes Chronic Groin Pain After Surgery?

Chronic groin pain is a type of long-term pain that develops after surgery. It’s different from immediate postoperative pain, which is a normal response to surgery and typically goes away in a few weeks.

Chronic groin pain can last for months or even years, and it can be debilitating. The causes of chronic groin pain are varied. In some cases, it can be due to nerve damage caused by surgery. Other times, it can be due to scarring or a surgical stitch that’s irritating the area.

Sometimes, it’s difficult to determine the exact cause of chronic groin pain.

Preoperative Steps to Prevent Chronic Groin Pain

The first step in preventing chronic groin pain is to take care of your body before surgery. Here are a few things you can do:.

1. Quit Smoking

If you smoke, try to quit before your surgery. Smoking can reduce your body’s ability to heal, which can increase your risk of chronic pain after surgery.

Smoking can also cause blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to complications during and after surgery.

2. Lose Excess Weight

Being overweight can increase your risk of developing chronic groin pain after surgery. Losing weight before your surgery can help reduce the risk of developing chronic pain after surgery.

3. Manage Chronic Conditions

If you have a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure to take your medications as prescribed and keep your condition under control. Chronic conditions can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery.

Postoperative Steps to Prevent Chronic Groin Pain

After your surgery, there are several things you can do to prevent chronic groin pain:.

1. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions

Your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow after your surgery. It’s important to follow these instructions closely to ensure the best possible outcome.

This may include taking medications as prescribed, resting, and avoiding certain activities.

2. Rest and Recover

Your body needs time to heal after surgery. Resting and recovering can help reduce your risk of developing chronic pain. Make sure to take time off work or school and avoid strenuous activities.

3. Keep the Area Clean and Dry

Make sure to keep the surgical area clean and dry to prevent infection. If you experience any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or drainage, contact your doctor immediately.

4. Use Ice and Heat

Icing the surgical area can help reduce pain and swelling. After a few days, you can switch to heat therapy to help relax muscles and improve blood flow.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience chronic groin pain after surgery, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor can help determine the cause of the pain and recommend treatment options. Some options may include physical therapy, medication, or even surgery.

Conclusion

Chronic groin pain after surgery can significantly impact your quality of life, but there are steps you can take to prevent it.

Before your surgery, make sure to take care of your body by quitting smoking, losing excess weight, and managing chronic conditions. After your surgery, follow your doctor’s instructions, rest and recover, keep the surgical area clean and dry, and use ice and heat therapy. If you experience chronic groin pain, contact your doctor right away.

By taking these steps, you can reduce your risk of developing chronic groin pain after surgery.