How Painful Is Umbilical Hernia Surgery Recovery?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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After surgery to repair your , you are likely to have pain for

a few days

. You may also feel tired and have less energy than normal. This is common. You should feel better after a few days and will probably feel much better in 7 days.

How long does the pain last after umbilical hernia surgery?

After surgery to repair your hernia, you are likely to have pain for

a few days

. You may also feel tired and have less energy than normal. This is common. You should feel better after a few days and will probably feel much better in 7 days.

Is umbilical hernia surgery painful?

Is umbilical hernia surgery painful? An

umbilical hernia surgery is not painful because

the procedure is performed under anesthesia. During recovery there might be pain, which can be managed with painkillers.

Why is umbilical hernia surgery so painful?

Abdominal pain after hernia surgery is

caused by injury to your skin, muscles, and nerves during the operation

. The extent of the surgery may affect how much pain you have afterwards.

How long should you rest after umbilical hernia surgery?

Umbilical hernia surgery recovery time is

about two weeks

. This two week restriction helps reduce pain after surgery, and likely reduces the risk of a hernia recurrence.

How painful is a hernia operation?

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 I walk after umbilical 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.

How soon can I walk after hernia surgery?

People may be able to walk up to

a few miles a day in the first couple of weeks

. Most people will be able to resume full activity two weeks after hernia mesh surgery. It can be as long as four weeks with non-mesh hernia surgery. A doctor can determine when an individual patient is ready.

Is stabbing pain normal after hernia surgery?

The type of pain often changes when there is a nerve problem after hernia surgery. The patient will often describe the pain as

severe, sharp, electrical, and stabbing

. The pain is usually localized to a specific area on the inguinal area, and certain motions can make the pain much worse.

How do you poop after hernia surgery?

If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt. If your bowel movements are not regular right after surgery, try to avoid constipation and straining. Drink plenty of water. Your doctor may suggest fibre, a stool softener, or a

mild laxative

.

Is hernia surgery a 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.

Why is my stomach bigger after umbilical 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.

How much pain is normal after hernia surgery?

After hernia repair surgery, it is common to experience

mild to moderate pain

, and to feel a little run down. It's also normal to feel pulling or twinges in the affected area as you heal. Most people, however, feel better within a few days and much better within a week of surgery.

What is the best position to sleep after hernia surgery?


Sleeping on your back

One of the best sleeping after going through any surgery is resting straight on your back. If you have had surgery on your legs, hips, spine, and arms, this position will benefit you most. Moreover, if you add a pillow underneath your body areas, it provides more support and comfort.

What is considered a large umbilical hernia?

Umbilical are common and come in many sizes ranging from small (less than 1 cm) to medium (1 cm to 3 cm) to large

(greater than 3cm)

. Umbilical hernias can be asymptomatic or cause pain. They can be reducible (able to push back in) or incarcerated (always out). Not all umbilical hernias need to be repaired.

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.

How long does a hernia operation take?

Hernia surgery normally takes

less than an hour

to complete from the time you are wheeled into the operating room until you enter the recovery area. After the procedure is over, you will remain in recovery for a few hours so the nurses can monitor your condition.

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.

Are you asleep during hernia surgery?

Open inguinal hernia repair is often carried out under local anaesthetic or a regional anaesthetic injected into the spine. This means you'

ll be awake

during the procedure, but the area being operated on will be numbed so you will not experience any pain. Sometimes a general anaesthetic is used.

How soon can you 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.

What is recovery like after umbilical hernia surgery?

Normal activities can gradually be resumed over time until they can be carried out without feeling any pain. Most people are able to do

light activities after 1 or 2 weeks

. Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help the healing process. Heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided for about 4 to 6 weeks.

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 you lay on your side after hernia surgery?

There are instances where side sleeping may not be “okayed” by a doctor, especially for those who undergo certain spinal or hip surgeries. Nevertheless, if your doctor determines it is safe for you to sleep on your side, you may do so

as long as you have a support mechanism tucked between your knees or ankles

.

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.).

What is the best pain relief for a hernia?

Over-the-counter pain medications can relieve discomfort associated with an inguinal hernia.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen, or naproxen

can be taken, depending on individual preference. 3. Call as soon as possible for a follow-up appointment with your personal/referral surgeon.

What helps with umbilical hernia pain?

  1. Drink more liquids. Liquids may prevent constipation and straining during a bowel movement. …
  2. Eat high-fiber foods. Fiber may prevent constipation and straining during a bowel movement. …
  3. Avoid heavy lifting. …
  4. Do not place anything over your umbilical hernia.

Do you gain weight after hernia surgery?

In most cases,

postsurgical weight gain is temporary and subsides as your body recovers

. However, prolonged recovery time, physical inactivity, stress, and changes in your eating behavior can lead to weight gain over time.

Will an umbilical hernia go away with weight loss?

Weight loss alone may be all you need to reduce the size of your hernia and eliminate pain.

Hernias never go away on their own

, and the only way to treat a hernia is with surgery.

What is the best surgery for umbilical hernia?


Laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair

is a safe and effective technique, even in the presence of multiple previous abdominal surgeries, with two thirds of patients requiring less than 24 hours of hospitalization. It also allows for identification of previously undiagnosed second hernia defects.

Will an umbilical hernia repair make my stomach flatter?

Not only will it decrease the chance of a hernia recurrence, but will improve your core strength, stop post-pregnancy bulging due to abdominal wall laxity, and create a

flatter

, more functional muscular abdomen.

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.