Can You Be Awake During Hernia Repair?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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inguinal repair

How long are you in the hospital for hernia repair?

Hernia repair surgery normally only requires a

23-hour or less

stay. Most patients go home the same day. Abdominal wall hernia repairs may require up to a two-day hospital stay due to the internal stitches and healing that is required.

What kind of sedation is used for hernia repair?


Local anesthesia

: Only used for the most superficial, easily repaired , local anesthesia is injected at the site of the repair. It can theoretically can be done in the surgeon's office with just a nurse in attendance, but it is usually done in an operating room or a “special procedure” room.

How long does a hernia surgery usually take?

Most routine hernia operations take about

30 to 90 minutes

depending on the type and size of hernia. After surgery, patients spend about 1-2 hours in the recovery room before leaving the hospital to continue recovering from the comfort of their homes.

How painful is hernia surgery?


While you may experience pain before and after hernia surgery, you will likely be asleep during surgery and will not feel any pain

. In most open, laparoscopic and robotic hernia repairs, your hernia surgery will use general anesthesia during the procedure. General anesthesia is very safe due to precise administration.

Are you intubated during hernia surgery?

Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Technique


Laparoscopic surgery requires general anesthesia (endotracheal intubation)

. The abdominal cavity is insufflated with carbon dioxide (CO2) gas to allow full expansion of the abdominal cavity and visualization of the hernia defect.

Can you walk after hernia surgery?

There are no medical or physical restrictions on activity after surgery. That means

it is OK to walk, climb stairs, lift, have sexual intercourse, mow the lawn, or exercise as long as it doesn't hurt

. In fact, returning to normal activity as soon as possible will most likely enhance your recovery.

Can you be awake during umbilical hernia surgery?

You will probably receive general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free) for this surgery. If your hernia is small, you may receive spinal, epidural block, or local anesthesia and medicine to relax you.

If general anesthesia is not used, you will be awake but pain-free

.

How do you poop after hernia surgery?

  1. 1) Drink water. When you are constipated, your stool is hardened and won't pass through your digestive system. …
  2. 2) Drink prune juice. …
  3. 3) Eat foods that are rich in fiber. …
  4. 4) Eat yogurt. …
  5. 5) Olive oil. …
  6. 6) Take a walk. …
  7. 7) Take a stool softener. …
  8. 8) Talk to your doctor about a laxatives.

How do you sleep after hernia surgery?

The doctors do not recommend sleeping on the stomach after the surgery. This position can hurt your spine and can also pressurize the hip area. Try to control your sleeping habits if you are a stomach sleeper.

It is best to sleep on your side or back

.

Is a hernia op major surgery?


Open hernia repair is a major surgery

that's performed with the aid of general anesthesia or local anesthesia and sedation.

Is a hernia operation a big operation?

When you undergo open surgery, keep in mind that

this is considered a major surgery

. You will have local anesthesia administered at the surgical site, as well as sedation if needed. After this is done, a large incision is made in order to allow surgeons to reach the hernia.

How long does hernia mesh last?

According to the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), hernia mesh repairs usually last

five years

. However, each case varies depending on the type of mesh used and other medical complications.

What is the fastest way to recover from hernia surgery?


Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help you heal faster

. Avoid lifting anything heavy or performing strenuous activities for at least four weeks. Sexual intercourse is permitted when you feel ready—generally, around two to three weeks post-surgery.

Can I drive after hernia surgery?

When Can I Drive After Hernia Surgery? Most surgical facilities require you to bring a guest along with you to the surgical center to drive you home after the operation. Since you will be given general anesthesia, it is recommended that you

wait 24-48 hours before driving at minimum

.

How can I flatten my stomach after hernia surgery?


Walking, yoga, and low-impact activities

may be a great way to begin. Avoid exercises that involve jumping or doing squats, which can increase pressure on your abdominal wall. You want to warm up properly as well, to avoid tearing or pulling abdominal muscles.

Why does hernia surgery hurt so much?


Injury to skin, muscles and nerves during the operation

are common causes of postoperative abdominal pain after hernia mesh surgery. The length and extent of the surgery may make the pain more intense.

Can you feel mesh after hernia surgery?

There are nerves along the outside of the abdominal wall that can occasionally get entrapped in the mesh in that area, which can cause chronic pain and cause patients to feel hernia mesh after surgery. People who have a mesh plug used to repair their hernias often feel the mesh plug.

Can an epidural be used for hernia surgery?


There are three different types of anaesthesia that may be used in cases of surgery; general, epidural or local anaesthesia

. Often, a procedure such as open hernia repair is performed under local anaesthetic as it is the most effective and comfortable choice for this type of technique.

Is local anesthesia a shot?

Local anesthesia, also called local anesthetic, is

usually a one-time injection of medicine

that numbs a small area of the body. It is used for procedures such as performing a skin biopsy or breast biopsy, repairing a broken bone, or stitching a deep cut.

Should I wear a hernia belt after surgery?

We ask you to

wear your abdominal binder for the first 6 weeks as much as possible, including while sleeping

. Most patients find this provides added comfort and reduces pain. It is also important to reduce the fluid that accumulates above the mesh after the repair.

Can I push to poop after hernia surgery?

As long as you are not nauseated or having abdominal pain, this variation is acceptable.

Constipation can occur after this operation

, and taking milk of magnesia (two tablespoons; twice a day) can prevent this issue. Some patients find that their hernia returns right after surgery.

What should I do the day before hernia surgery?


Keep your stomach empty

: Don't eat or drink anything (not even water) after midnight the night before surgery. Your surgery may be canceled if you eat or drink before surgery. If you take any regular medications and have been told to continue them, take them with small sips of water.

Can you have hernia surgery with local anesthesia?


Local anesthesia (LA) has been reported to be the best choice for elective open inguinal hernia repair

because it is cost efficient, with less post-operative pain and enables more rapid recovery. However, the role of LA in emergency inguinal hernia repair is still controversial.

Can you lose weight after umbilical hernia surgery?

Lose Weight After Hernia Surgery

Being overweight can put extra pressure on your abdominal wall. This extra pressure after hernia surgery can cause strain while standing or sitting.

Losing weight can help reduce this strain from causing another hernia to develop

.

Does coughing make a hernia worse?

The symptoms that lead most people to the doctor, and eventually a hernia diagnosis, typically include pain in the abdomen, particularly in the groin area.

The pain tends to get worse if you sneeze, cough, lift something heavy or strain

.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.