Groin Incisions

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Español

A groin incision is a small cut made in the groin during surgery. The groin is the crease where the lower abdomen meets the legs. Healthcare providers use groin incisions for medical procedures. A groin incision may be used to reach blood vessels and place a stent. Providers may use a groin incision to guide a thin tube to the heart to treat heart rhythm problems. A groin incision may also be used to remove lymph nodes.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:

• You cannot stop the bleeding from your incision site, even after you hold firm pressure for 10 minutes.

Seek care immediately if:

• Your incision site is red, swollen, or draining pus.
• Blood soaks through your bandage.
• You have red streaks or severe pain near your incision site.
• Your leg feels numb, cool, or looks pale.
• Your incision site gets swollen quickly.
• Your stitches come apart.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• Your incision site becomes red, swollen, and painful.
• Your incision site looks more bruised, or you have new bruising on the side of your leg.
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Manage your groin incision site:

• Wash your hands often. Wash your hands before and after you touch or clean your incision site.
• Apply firm, steady pressure if bleeding occurs. You may notice a small amount of bleeding from your incision site. Apply pressure with a clean gauze or towel for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Care for the incision site as directed. Most bandages can be removed the day after your procedure. Gently clean the incision site with soap and water. Do not rub the site. Do not take a bath, swim, or get in a hot tub until your healthcare provider says these are okay. Keep the area clean and dry. Gently pat the area dry and put on new, clean bandages, if directed. Wear loose-fitting clothing over the area. If you need to cough, support the incision site with your hand.
• Limit activity as directed. Intense activity may cause bleeding. Do not lift, pull, or push heavy objects until your provider says it is okay. Limit stair climbing for 1 week. Plan activities on one floor and limit stairs to 2 times a day. Avoid intense exercise for 2 to 4 weeks or as directed. Slowly start to do more each day. Your provider will tell you when you can drive, go back to work, or do other activities.
• Check your incision site every day. Check for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and pus.
• Apply ice to the area. Ice will reduce pain and swelling. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Wrap a towel around the ice pack or plastic bag. Apply the bag to the incision site for 20 minutes every hour, or as directed.
• Drink extra liquids. Liquids prevent dehydration and help improve blood flow. Liquids bring nutrients to the incision site and flush waste from your body. This help with healing and prevent infection. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
• Eat healthy foods as directed. Healthy foods give your body the nutrients it needs to support your immune system and heal your incision site. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, grains (breads and cereals), dairy, and protein foods. Protein foods include meat, fish, nuts, and soy products. Protein, calories, vitamin C, and zinc help wounds heal. Ask your provider for more information about the foods you should eat to improve healing.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can delay healing. Smoking also increases your risk for infection after surgery. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer