Groin Incisions

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

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What do I need to know about groin incisions?

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.

How do I prepare for a groin incision procedure?

• Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. Your provider may tell you not to eat or drink after midnight on the day of your procedure. Arrange to have someone drive you home after you are discharged.
• Tell your provider about all your current medicines. Your provider will tell you if you need to start or stop taking any medicine for the procedure, and when to do so.
• Tell your provider about any allergies you have, including to medicines, anesthesia, stainless steel, nickel, or titanium.
• You may be given an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection.

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What will happen during a groin incision procedure?

• You may be given local anesthesia to numb your groin. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing, but you should not feel pain. You may also be given IV sedation to make you feel calm and relaxed during the procedure. You may instead be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during your procedure.
• Your healthcare provider will clean the area and make a small cut in your groin. Your provider will use the incision to complete the procedure.
• Your provider will close the incision site with staples, stitches, or other adhesive devices. Pressure will be applied to the incision site for several minutes to stop any bleeding. A pressure bandage or other pressure device may be placed over the incision site to help prevent bleeding.
• Your provider may apply negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) over the incision to reduce the risk for an infection. NPWT is a special wound dressing.

What should I expect after the procedure?

• You will be taken to a room to rest. Healthcare providers will monitor your vital signs and pulses in your leg. Your provider will check your pressure bandage for bleeding or swelling.
• You will need to lie flat with your leg straight for 2 to 4 hours. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. Movement too soon after your procedure can cause serious bleeding. Your provider will tell you if you need to stay in the hospital overnight. Healthcare providers will continue to monitor your heartbeat, blood pressure, and incision site.
• You may have tenderness and pain at the incision site for 1 to 2 days. You may have bruising for 1 to 2 weeks. You may have a small lump for 7 to 10 days.

What are the risks of a groin incision?

You may have bruising or pain where the incision was made. You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection at the incision site. You may have a scar after the incision site heals.

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