How Long Is Recovery From Laparoscopic Hernia Repair?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most people who have laparoscopic repair surgery are able to go home the same day. Recovery time is about

1 to 2 weeks

. You most likely can return to light activity after 1 to 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise should wait until after 4 weeks of recovery.

Is laparoscopic hernia surgery considered major surgery?


A hernia repair is a common but major surgery

with significant risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options available.

Is laparoscopic hernia surgery painful?


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.

How long will I be off work after a hernia operation?

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. You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it.

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.

What are the disadvantages of laparoscopic surgery?

  • bleeding and the potential need for a blood transfusion.
  • infection.
  • hernia.
  • a risk of damage to internal structures, such as such as blood vessels, the stomach, bowel, bladder, or ureter.
  • adverse reactions to anesthesia.
  • abdominal inflammation or infection.
  • blood clots.

Which is better open or laparoscopic hernia repair?

Recent studies have shown that in the short term

laparoscopic repair is superior to open repair

in terms of less blood loss, fewer perioperative complications, and shorter hospital stay. Long-term outcomes such as recurrence rates are yet unknown.

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.

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 can I eat after laparoscopic hernia surgery?

You will need to stay on a liquid/soft diet for approximately three weeks after surgery. During that time, you can try or experiment with eating

soft, mushy foods like tuna, mashed potatoes, eggs, cottage cheese, and thick soups

. The reason for liquids is that there will be some swelling where your hernia was repaired.

When can you drive after laparoscopic hernia surgery?

Driving. You will usually be able to drive

when you have not needed the narcotic (prescription) pain medications for two days

.

How can I reduce my tummy after hernia surgery?

  1. Lose Weight After Hernia Surgery. Being overweight can put extra pressure on your abdominal wall. …
  2. Consume a High-Fiber Diet. …
  3. Stay Physically Active After Hernia Surgery.

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 long do you stay in hospital after hernia surgery?

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.

Can I ride in a car after hernia surgery?

Generally, normal activities can be resumed in a few days after laparoscopic hernia repair and a week for open hernia repair.

Under no circumstances should you drive an automobile while you are taking narcotic pain medications

.

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 you feel 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 laparoscopy a major surgery?

Although patients tend to think of laparoscopic surgery as minor surgery,

it is major surgery

with the potential for major complications – visceral injury and bleeding, injury to the bowel, or injury to the bladder.

What can you not do after laparoscopic surgery?

  • Don't drink alcohol or drive for at least 24 hours after surgery.
  • You can bathe any time after surgery.
  • You can remove the bandage the morning after the surgery. …
  • You can typically return to work three days after surgery. …
  • Do not be concerned if your urine is green.

How much pain is normal after laparoscopy?

After surgery, it's normal to have

a sore belly, cramping, or pain around the cuts the doctor made (incisions) for up to 4 days

. You can expect to feel better and stronger each day. But you might get tired quickly and need pain medicine for a few days.

What type of hernia is most severe?


Strangulated inguinal hernias

are a more serious medical condition. This is when an intestine in an incarcerated hernia has its blood flow cut off.

What is the success rate of laparoscopic hernia surgery?

Reports of

90 – 99%

success rates are common. Mesh repairs, in many cases, offer a smaller chance of hernia recurrence rate than non-mesh repairs. Unfortunately, some repairs may lead to very high incidence of chronic pain, which can range from 5-15%. The key is to find a surgeon that performs a lot of hernia surgery.

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.

How much should I be walking after hernia surgery?

Walking a little bit after your hernia surgery can go a long way so keep it to a few brief

5-10 minute sessions per day

for the first week or so after your surgery.

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

.

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.
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.