We consider the inhomogeneous higher-order nonlinear Schrodinger equation and explicitly present exact combined solitary wave solutions that can describe the simultaneous propagation of bright and dark solitary waves in a combined form in inhomogeneous fiber media or in optical communication links with distributed parameters. Furthermore, we analyze the features of the solutions, and numerically discuss the stabilities of these solitary waves under slight violations of the parameter conditions and finite initial perturbations. The results show that there exist combined solitary wave solutions in an inhomogeneous fiber system, and the combined solitary wave solutions are stable under slight violations of the parameter conditions and finite initial perturbations. Finally, the interaction between two neighboring combined solitary waves is numerically discussed.