Q: My father, aged 72 years, is suffering from hernia. He is likely to undergo hernia operation in the near future. He also has high blood pressure for the past nearly 30 years. I am not sure but I think he has undergone a hernia operation about 20 years ago. He was taking homeopathic medicines, but had to stop, due to unforeseen circumstances. I would like to know the cost and the duration of the operation? After how many days will he be discharged from the hospital? After how many days will he be able to resume his normal activities? If he wants to go to his native place, after the operation, then after how many days will he be able to travel? The travel time is about 40 hours of train journey. Please clarify.

A:1. The cost for the surgery will depend on the surgeon, Hospital and mode of surgery. Govt. hospitals should do it free, private hospitals will charge depending on open or laparoscopic approach, anaesthesia (local, spinal, general) and the seniority of the surgeon. 2. The hospitalisation should not be more than 3-4 days. If local anaesthesia is used, he may be discharged the same day. He can walk about in the room the same day and should be moving around in two days. 3. Depending on his general condition and recovery, he should be moving out of the house in about 10 days. There will be restriction on him carrying weights. 4. Travel is normally permitted after 6 weeks. The operating surgeon will decide the exact timing and his advice will be final.