Can You Fly After Hernia Repair?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Although some guidelines say that

flying is okay after 24 hours following laparoscopic surgery, to reduce the risk of DVT, it's best to wait between four to six weeks

.

How long after surgery can you fly on a plane?

Type of Surgery Time required before flying
Brain surgery


Seven to ten days
Heart surgery One week to 10 days surgery Four to ten days Gallbladder removal Depends on the doctor

Does flying affect a hernia?

Flying with a hernia has a couple of risks. The first of these is that

there is a small chance that the changes in air pressure in the cabin could cause the hernia to strangulate

which would require immediate medical attention that is not possible whilst on a plane.

How soon can you fly after open hernia surgery?


4 to 5 days after simple abdominal surgery

. 7 days after more complicated eye surgery. 10 days after chest surgery or a coronary artery bypass graft. 10 days after more complicated abdominal surgery.

Does hernia mesh last forever?


Non-absorbable mesh will remain in the body indefinitely

and is considered a permanent implant. It is used to provide permanent reinforcement to the repaired hernia. Absorbable mesh will degrade and lose strength over time. It is not intended to provide long-term reinforcement to the repair site.

Can I fly with a large hernia?


Do NOT go on any kind of active holiday or travel anywhere far from good surgical care with a known hernia condition

.

Do I need to declare hiatus hernia on travel insurance?

Do I need travel insurance with a hernia?

It's important to declare your hernia as a pre-existing medical condition on your travel insurance

. With a tailored travel insurance policy, you can go on holiday with cover for your hernia, knowing that if something goes wrong, you have our support.

Is it okay to fly after surgery?

The bottom line.

In many cases, it's perfectly safe to fly after surgery, but it's not advisable for everyone

. It comes down to a case-by-case recommendation your doctor will make based on your personal risk factors. It's best to talk with your doctor before you book travel in the weeks before or following your surgery …

Can you fly after laparoscopic hernia surgery?

Although

some guidelines say that flying is okay after 24 hours following laparoscopic surgery, to reduce the risk of DVT, it's best to wait between four to six weeks

.

Can flying after surgery cause blood clots?


There is a risk of clotting for up to 4-6 weeks after surgery for all patients, but flying long distances aggravates this problem further

. As a result, those who travel such distances may be subject to enhanced preventive measures after their procedure.

How long after surgery Are you at risk for blood clots?

When you stop moving, blood flows more slowly in your deep veins, which can lead to a clot. You're most likely to get a clot

between 2 and 10 days

after your surgery, but your odds are higher for about 3 months.

Can you feel the mesh after hernia repair?

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.

Is hernia mesh Safe 2021?

“Mesh is needed in certain hernias and

when placed correctly — and under the right circumstances — it is safe

,” he says. Much research remains to be done, however.

Can coughing damage my hernia repair?

What activity can I do? Deep breathing and circulation exercises are good. Try to avoid vigorous coughing if your repair was done with the open method.

Coughing may strain your incision

.

What percentage of hernia repairs fail?

The reported recurrence rate was lower with a large well-anchored mesh;[1] and among 19 recurrences, in 60% the mesh was too small,[2] in 30% the fixation was found to be insufficient and in

20%

the hernia was never repaired. Technical factors were found responsible for nearly all recurrences.

Can I go on holiday with a hernia?


You can still enjoy your holiday with a hernia or if you have already had a hernia operation and you are recovering

. A hernia can develop with very little or no symptoms, but you may notice a swelling or lump in your tummy (abdomen) or groin.

How often do hernia repairs fail?

Traditional hernia repairs that simply stitch the hernia closed and do not use mesh have the highest rate of recurrence. It is estimated that

up to 30%

of such repairs can recur. This is because the tissue around the suture can weaken over time and abdominal stress can eventually cause the tissue to tear.

What happens if a hernia gets too big?

But if the hernia grows too large,

surgery gets much harder and less likely to succeed

. Meanwhile, the person may lose the ability to walk. This creates a cycle in which they can't exercise, often leading to skin infections, weight gain and other serious health problems, like diabetes.

What is a strangulated hernia?

A strangulated hernia

occurs when the hernia contents are ischemic due to a compromised blood supply

. This phenomenon occurs most commonly when there is a small opening in the musculature and a significant quantity of contents within the hernia itself.

Is a hernia considered a pre-existing condition?

For example,

if a hernia is declared as pre-existing disease, the waiting period for it will be around four years

. This means the policy will cover hernia after four years from policy purchase date considering there is continuous coverage.

What is the best treatment for hiatus hernia?

Treatment for a sliding hiatus hernia usually focuses on relieving the symptoms of GORD, such as heartburn.

Lifestyle changes and medication are the preferred treatments

. Surgery is usually only recommended as an alternative to long-term medication or if other treatments haven't worked.

When can you fly after Covid?

Do not travel until a full

5 days after your last close contact with the person with COVID-19

. It is best to avoid travel for a full 10 days after your last exposure.

How soon can you fly after a tummy tuck?

Wait

a minimum of 10 days

after surgery before flying. Concern is risk of blood clots in the legs. You are having multiple complex procedures and need close follow up for first 2-3 weeks.

Can we travel after laparoscopic surgery?


Avoid travel for at least a month after surgery

. Move as much as possible during the trip. If you're traveling by plane, bus or train, stand, stretch and walk down the aisles. During car trips, take a break to walk and stretch at least every three to four hours.

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.