Open hernia surgery, in which a surgeon utilizes a long incision to push the bulging organ back into place, generally requires a minimum of three weeks to recover. If a laparoscopic hernia repair is performed, recovery is closer to
one to two weeks
.
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.
How long should a person rest after hernia surgery?
Most people are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. But if your job requires that you do heavy lifting or strenuous activity, you may need to take
4 to 6 weeks
off from work.
How soon can I go back to work after hernia surgery?
Typically it takes 4-5 days for most people to feel good enough after this type of surgery to then resume their normal, day to day activities, and usually about
7-10 days
before they feel like going back to work.
How long does it take for hernia mesh to set?
After hernia mesh surgery, most patients can go home the same day. Full recovery time may take
four to six weeks
. Right after surgery, patients should perform only necessary daily functions but can return to light activity after a few weeks of recovery. Heavy activity can resume after six weeks.
Do and don'ts after hernia surgery?
Do NOT lift anything heavier than 15 pounds for a minimum of two weeks
(or as instructed by your surgeon). Do NOT engage in strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least four to six weeks (or advised by your surgeon). Lifting too soon after hernia surgery can cause a hernia reoccurrence and other complications.
What is the best way to 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
.
Should I walk after hernia?
Resting after surgery is important, but
walking after open hernia repair is actually recommended
. In the days following your surgery, you can start walking around as soon as you are able.
How do you poop after hernia surgery?
- 1) Drink water. When you are constipated, your stool is hardened and won't pass through your digestive system. …
- 2) Drink prune juice. …
- 3) Eat foods that are rich in fiber. …
- 4) Eat yogurt. …
- 5) Olive oil. …
- 6) Take a walk. …
- 7) Take a stool softener. …
- 8) Talk to your doctor about a laxatives.
Does a hernia make you look fat?
Appearance.
The hernia will look like a bulge or bump in the scrotum or groin region
. Standing or bearing down with force will often make the bulge more noticeable. The bulge typically takes time to appear, but it can form suddenly after coughing, lifting heavy weights, straining, bending, or laughing.
How can I reduce my tummy after hernia surgery?
- Lose Weight After Hernia Surgery. Being overweight can put extra pressure on your abdominal wall. …
- Consume a High-Fiber Diet. …
- Stay Physically Active After Hernia Surgery.
How long does a hernia operation take?
The operation usually takes about
30 to 45 minutes
to complete and you'll usually be able to go home on the same day. Some people stay in hospital overnight if they have other medical problems or live on their own.
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.
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.
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.
What are the side effects after hernia surgery?
Complications that occur in the perioperative period include wound seroma/hematoma, urinary retention, bladder injury, and superficial incisional surgical site infection (SSI), while complications that occur later following hernia repair include
persistent groin pain and post-herniorrhaphy neuralgia, testicular
…
Does muscle grow over hernia mesh?
Hernia mesh surgery is usually safe and effective.
As the body heals, your own tissue will grow over and around the mesh
.
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.
What pain meds do you get after hernia surgery?
From Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery. It is not uncommon to have significant discomfort over the first 2-3 days after your operation. You will be prescribed a NARCOTIC pain medication to help control this pain (
Vicodin, Norco, Hydrocodone
, etc.).
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.
Why is my stomach bigger after hernia surgery?
Why is my stomach bigger after hernia surgery? It is normal to experience swelling, pain and bruising at any surgical site, including areas post-op for hernia repair.
Swelling is due to the presence of fluid at the surgical area as the body goes through its healing process
.
What should I wear after hernia surgery?
Following their abdominal procedure, most patients find it beneficial to wear a
compression garment
, which is a soft, surgical girdle-like garment that fits over your abdomen and compresses it, minimizing swelling and encouraging proper healing.
