Prehabilitation
For many abdominal wall problems, the safest operation is the one performed after risks have been understood and improved. Prehabilitation is how we do that.
Hernia repair, and especially complex abdominal wall reconstruction, asks a lot of the body. Wound healing, infection risk, breathing after surgery, and whether a repair holds over the years all depend on factors that can often be improved before the operation: weight, nicotine, blood sugar, nutrition, fitness, and the medications you take.
Prehabilitation is a structured, nurse-supported period of preparation. For some patients it is a few weeks. For larger or recurrent hernias, it may be several months. It is not a hurdle placed in front of surgery. It is part of the surgery, and it is one of the most reliable ways to lower the chance of a complication or a recurrence.
What we look at
Not every patient needs work in every area. At consultation we identify what matters for your operation and build a plan around it.
Weight loss before surgery lowers wound risk, recurrence risk, and strain on the reconstruction, especially for larger or recurrent hernias. We will discuss realistic targets and the supports available, including referral to medical weight management where appropriate.
Stopping cigarettes, vaping, and all nicotine products improves wound healing and reduces lung and infectious complications. We ask for a nicotine-free period before surgery and can connect you with cessation support.
Protein intake, micronutrient status, and overall nutrition are especially important for patients with wounds, fistulas, or major planned reconstruction. A dietitian may be involved.
Better blood sugar control lowers infection risk and supports healing. We may ask your family physician to help optimize your diabetes management before surgery.
Walking, breathing exercises, and gentle conditioning before surgery make recovery faster and safer afterward. Physiotherapy may be part of your plan.
Blood thinners, immunosuppression, steroids, and pain medications need coordinated planning before surgery. We work with your other physicians so nothing is stopped or started unsafely.
Active wounds, skin irritation, infection, or stoma appliance problems are addressed before repair is considered, often with wound care or stoma nursing support.
Sleep apnea, lung disease, and breathing reserve affect surgical risk and recovery, particularly after larger abdominal wall operations. Screening and treatment may be arranged before surgery.
How it works
At consultation, your surgeon identifies the areas that matter for your operation and sets goals with you. Our clinic nurse supports you through the plan, checks in on progress, and coordinates with your family physician, dietitian, physiotherapist, or other specialists. When the goals are met, surgery is scheduled. If circumstances change, the plan is revisited rather than abandoned.
See the full journey