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What Causes Cold Feeling On Body After Inguinal Hernia Operation?

Posted on Wed, 11 Mar 2015

Question: My husband had an Inguinal Hernia operation last week. His hands and feet are very, very cold now.
His body has always been very warm. Did the surgery cause this? Will it go away or is something wrong?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Coldness of hands/feet unrelated to Surgery

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Ms

Coldness of extremities that is hands and feet could be due to many causes. It does not always imply hypothermia or decreased body temperature. Core body temperature is best measured in axilla or oral cavity. If the temperature is above 97 degree Fahrenheit then there is no cause for concern.

Coldness of hands and feet is unlikely to be a sequelae of Surgery. It could be due to following factors

1. Codeine : It could sometimes produce coldness of hands and feet

2. Anxiety and stress

3. Inadequate intake of food

4. Inadequate intake of water

If the core body temperature is normal and there is no redness or discharge at site of Surgery then there is no cause for concern.

I would suggest the following

1. Ensure adequate intake of fluid and nutritional food

2. Do take blood pressure at home. Also do take a blood sugar estimation by using home glucometer

3. Look at the Surgical site for any signs of infection like redness, pain on pressing or discharge from surgical site

4. Appropriate clothing: Wearing of woollen hand gloves and stocking will be helpful

It should definitely settle down and there seems to be no cause for concern. Do keep me updated. Also let me know in case you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kaltari
Consultant Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (21 hours later)

Thank you for that answer.
I have another question:
Should the site of the repaired inguinal hernia be protruding
out about half the size of a golf ball? Is it still just swollen
inside even with the mesh wire or is that not normal?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Likely to be due to Seroma

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms XXXX

The swelling is likely to be due to formation of seroma ( secretion secondary to reaction to mesh which acts as foreign body ). If the swelling does not increase on voluntary coughing it's unlikely to be due to recurrence. It's more likely to be due to seroma. If there is red discolouration of skin and wound then its unlikely to be surgical site infection.

Exact assessment is only possible after clinical examination. The swelling should resolve. I hope your husband is feeling fine now. Do mention to your physician on your next routine visit.

Take care

Best regards
Dr Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (15 hours later)

Dr. XXXXXXX
Thank you so much for the information! My husband's post-op appointment is
Feb. 17th, but I wanted a little more information because of the problems he
seemed to be having. We are not familiar with hernia surgery and have tried
to read everything. You have been very helpful!
Gratefully,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take care

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms XXXx
I hope he is fine now.

Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy life.

Take care

Best regards
Dr Deepak

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar