
How long can you Be off work after hernia surgery?
When can I exercise after hernia surgery?
- One Week After Hernia Surgery – Walking as Necessary Only. ...
- Two Weeks After Hernia Surgery – Light Walking and Driving. ...
- Three Weeks After Hernia Surgery – Light Exercise. ...
- One Month After Hernia Surgery – Low-Impact Exercise. ...
- Six Months After Hernia Surgery – High-Impact Exercise. ...
How to relieve pain after hernia repair?
walking heating pads narcotic pain medication time
- walking
- heating pads
- narcotic pain medication
- time
How long off work after hernia repair?
Several publications have looked at the influence of care provider attitudes on return to work after hernia repair. A 1993 survey conducted in the United Kingdom found that whereas surgeons recommended taking an average of 4.4 weeks off work after surgery, general practitioners recommended 6.2 weeks and patients actually took an average of 7.0 ...
How long does it take for hernia surgery to heal?
- You will be asked to wear a hospital gown.
- The anesthesiologist will attach an intravenous line and administer anesthesia.
- The surgeon will clean the skin with an antiseptic and make a surgical cut (incision) over the hernia sac. ...
- The surgeon places the lump of fatty tissue or loop of bowel back into your abdomen.

How long does it take hernia mesh to heal?
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.
Do and don'ts after hernia surgery?
Avoid strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid lifting anything that would make you strain.
How long does pain last 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.
How long does a hernia operation take to heal?
You should also be able to return to work after 1 or 2 weeks, although you may need more time off if your job involves manual labour. Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help the healing process, but you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for about 4 to 6 weeks.
What is the fastest way to recover from hernia surgery?
How can you care for yourself at home?Rest when you feel tired.You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry. ... Allow the area to heal. ... Be active. ... You most likely can return to light activity after 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the type of surgery you had.
What is the best position 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.
Is hernia surgery a major surgery?
Comparing surgical repair options Open hernia repair is a major surgery that's performed with the aid of general anesthesia or local anesthesia and sedation. It's done through one or two standard-sized incisions (three to six inches in length) that allow the surgeon to fully visualize and access the problematic area.
Why does hernia surgery hurt so much?
The most common cause of chronic pain after hernia surgery is damage or injury to a nerve. During hernia surgery, a nerve may have been injured, compressed, or stuck in scar tissue after the mesh insert was placed. To determine if the pain is the result of nerve damage or injury, a nerve block may be used.
Is it good to walk after hernia surgery?
One of the main benefits of a little bit of walking after hernia surgery is because it helps increase circulation and promote blood flow throughout your body. By increasing the blood flow and circulation throughout your body, the damaged tissue and muscles around your repaired hernia will benefit from this movement.
What type of hernia is most severe?
Strangulated hernias are life threatening and require emergency medical care.
Do your balls swell after hernia surgery?
Men who have had an inguinal hernia repair may find their scrotum is swollen and turn black and blue. This is normal and may worsen after a few days. To help reduce swelling, use ice packs and wear supportive underwear such as briefs. The scrotum will return to normal in a few weeks.
How can I reduce my tummy after hernia surgery?
3 Lifestyle Changes to Make After Hernia SurgeryLose 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.
What care should be taken after hernia operation?
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 much work will I miss 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.
Can you sneeze after hernia surgery?
For a couple of weeks, when you need to cough or sneeze, splint your incision. This means putting pressure over your incision with your hands, a rolled up blanket, or a pillow. Sneeze with your mouth open to lessen the strain on your incision. Please ask your nurse to help you the first time you get up.
Can you drive after hernia operation?
Normally, you should refrain from driving for at least 1 week after a hernia repair operation. You should be free from the distracting effect of pain or the sedative or other effects of any pain relief medication you are taking.
Recovery Time After Hernia Surgery
Recovery time after surgery depends on the type of hernia you have and the type of procedure required. Patients who undergo minimally invasive surg...
Discomfort After Hernia Surgery
Discomfort is typically handled with over-the-counter medication, although some patients may require a combination of over-the-counter and opioid-b...
Follow-Up Appointments After Hernia Surgery
All patients need a follow-up appointment two weeks after surgery to ensure that their pain is well controlled and there are no infections. Patient...
Postoperative Restrictions
After surgery, most patients will be asked to avoid lifting anything heavier than 15 pounds for the first two weeks, though more complicated patien...
How much weight can you lift after a syringe?
Postoperative Restrictions. After surgery, most patients will be asked to avoid lifting anything heavier than 15 pounds for the first two weeks, though more complicated patients may have differing limitations.
Can you go home after minimally invasive surgery?
Patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery are usually able to go home the same day and are able to walk the night of the surgery. Some patients, especially those who have had abdominal wall reconstructions or component separations, may have to stay in the hospital for a few days.
Can a hernia recur after surgery?
However, there is still a chance of recurrence or infection after surgery. Obesity and smoking increase these risks substantially, and many hernia experts will require patients to lose weight and commit to smoking cessation before surgery, unless tissue is incarcerated or strangulated.
Does surgery help with pain?
Chronic pain is also a risk. Although most pain will go away with conservative management, in rare cases, further surgery may be necessary to alleviate the pain. A healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and regular checkups with your primary care provider will also help reduce the risks involved with any surgery.
Recovery Time after Hernia Surgery
Recovery time after hernia surgery depends on the type of hernia treatment. There are several types of abdominal wall hernias, and several ways to fix each one. Inguinal hernia is the most common abdominal wall hernia, with over 800,000 operations performed per year in the united states.
About Dr. Reinhorn & Dr. Fullington
Dr. Michael Reinhorn is a specialist in inguinal hernia and umbilical hernia. He started his practice as a general surgeon in 2001, and in 2012 he transitioned to focus on the care of hernia patients. In 2018, he co-founded Boston Hernia, an ambulatory surgery practice focused exclusively on hernia surgery. In 2020, Dr.
What our patients are saying
Dr Reinhorn and his staff were great. The people at Newton Wellesley were all great as well. Surgery went as I expected from reading the reviews. I had my surgery and two days later was vacationing in Florida. Can’t beat that.
What happens when you wake up after surgery?
When you wake up after surgery you may still have the IV in your arm to give you fluids and pain medication. You may have small bandages over your incisions. As you become more awake, you’ll be given something to drink and eat (don’t get excited — it’s not a meal), and the staff will get you up to walk around a little.
How long does it take for a swollen incision to go away?
Your incision (s) may be sore for two or three days and may be swollen, bruised, tender, or numb. It’s all normal and should go away within a few weeks. But if you have any concerns or questions, call the number you got from the hospital or your doctor. There are no stupid questions.
How long after surgery can you rest?
Plan to rest for the first few days after surgery. You probably won’t need much encouragement; you’ll be pretty tired. Have a pillow handy to put over your abdomen for support in case you cough, sneeze, or vomit (which can be a side effect of anesthesia). Your incision (s) may be sore for two or three days and may be swollen, bruised, tender, or numb. It’s all normal and should go away within a few weeks. But if you have any concerns or questions, call the number you got from the hospital or your doctor. There are no stupid questions.
What to expect before leaving a hospital?
Before you leave, someone will go over your discharge instructions with you. These include what to expect over the first few days, how to care for your incision (s), a list of symptoms or warning signs, and a number to call if you notice any of them or have questions.
How long does it take to recover from a syringe surgery?
Here’s what you might expect as you recover, from the first day through the first few weeks.
Can you drive after anesthesia?
Make sure you talk to your doctor about when it’s safe for you to drive after the type of anesthesia you’ve had. You should never drive while taking prescription pain medication. Depending on your repair, driving may strain the incision, so check with your doctor. Lifting: Avoid it for at least the first few days.
Can you take pain medication after surgery?
If you’re given a prescription for pain medication prior to the day of surgery, fill it, even if you don’t think you’ll need it. If you’re given a prescription the day of surgery, have someone fill it for you. Some people find an over-the-counter pain reliever is all they need, but make sure to ask your doctor which medications are OK to use after surgery, as some can increase the chances of bleeding.
How long does it take to recover from a laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery?
Most people can return to normal activities in two weeks, but may need to avoid heavy lifting.
How long does it take to repair an umbilical hernia?
An umbilical hernia repair is a relatively routine surgery and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It can be performed as an open surgery or a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. An open surgery might require two to three days of hospitalization, but with a laparoscopic surgery a patient may be able to go home the same day or within 24 hours.
What is the procedure for umbilical hernia?
Procedure. An anesthesiologist administers anesthesia and monitors the patient’s vital functions during the procedure . The surgeon makes one or more incisions in the skin next to the umbilical hernia. The surgeon gently pushes back the protruding intestine and abdominal tissue back in place. The surgeon may cut out dead tissue if it is ...
How do you know if you have a hernia?
Symptoms of a hernia include pain, nausea, vomiting, bowel obstruction, and fever. Hernias are diagnosed by a physical exam and imaging tests. Some hernias may be held in place with a supportive belt.
How to diagnose a herniated disc?
Symptoms depend on the location of the herniation and whether nerve tissue is being irritated. An MRI or CT scan is performed to diagnose a herniated disc. Treatment may involve physical therapy, cortisone injection, pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, and surgery.
How long before surgery do you have to eat?
Preparation. Prior to the surgery the patient. Undergoes blood tests and imaging tests. Must not eat or drink 8 hours prior to the procedure. Must check with the doctor before taking any regular medications. Must inform the doctor of any allergies.
Can a surgeon cut out a hernia?
The surgeon may cut out dead tissue if it is a strangulated hernia. The surgeon repairs the hole in the abdominal muscle wall with stitches. The surgeon may also use a mesh for support. The incision is then closed with sutures. The patient will be monitored in the recovery room for a few hours.
How long does it take to recover from a hernia surgery?
You should be able to start light activity after one to two weeks. You can expect full recovery from hernia surgery at four to six weeks.
What to do after a hernia surgery?
Critical in all of this, however, is you, the patient; in the months following hernia surgery, it’s your job to check in on your own progress and let your medical team know if anything seems off, or if you are struggling emotionally or physically. Listen to your body and don’t be afraid to speak up.
How long after hernia surgery can you drive?
Within 48 to 72 hours: Since hernia surgery often involves general anesthesia (in which you are put to sleep), you should avoid driving for a minimum of 48 hours following the treatment. In addition, in the early stages of recovery, you will be encouraged to walk around a little once an hour.
How to heal a stent?
And what can you do to prevent infection and ensure full and complete recovery? Here are some tips to keep in mind: 3 1 Sanitation: Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching anywhere in or around the incision (s). 2 Bathing: Avoid taking a full bath while stitches, staples, Steri-Strips, or other adhesives are holding the wound closed. Showering is OK, though be gentle with the incisions. 3 Changing bandages: Your doctor will give you guidance as to when and how to change bandages; listen carefully and follow their orders. 4 Drainage: A small amount of drainage caught in the bandages is expected; however, let your doctor know as soon as possible if they are soaked in blood. 5 Steri-Strips: If Steri-Strips are used to close up the incision, expect them to fall off on their own within seven to 10 days; don’t take them off yourself. 6 Glue covering: As with Steri-Strips, incisions held together with a glue-like covering should be allowed to run their course and the covering will eventually flake off on its own. 7 Clothing: Try not to wear tight-fighting clothing or fabric that could chafe the region. 8 Covering up: Make sure the wound is not exposed to direct sunlight, especially once new skin has started to grow.
How long does it take to recover from a syphilis?
Six weeks to six months: In many cases, complete recovery is expected at six weeks, and it will be at that point that you’ll be able to truly resume your normal level of activity. As mentioned above, though, more complex cases may require a longer period of recovery, with some cases taking up to six months.
Is recovery from surgery emotional?
Emotional Challenges. Recovery from surgery can also be emotionally challenging; though not always the case, patients have reported feeling upset, depressed, nervous, irritable, weepy, and sad following treatment. 4 It's a sensitive time, and emotional support may be needed to get through it.
How long does it take to repair an inguinal hernia?
A laparoscopic inguinal hernia (rupture in the abdominal wall) repair is a routine surgery and may take up to two hours. A general surgeon usually performs the surgery in an operation theater. The patient is placed under general anesthesia during the procedure.
What is the procedure to close an inguinal ring?
The surgeon strengthens the weak spot in the abdominal muscle wall with stitches if it is a direct hernia. The surgeon closes the inguinal ring with sutures in case of an indirect hernia. The incision is then closed with sutures.
Can an inguinal hernia be repaired with stitches?
The surgeon checks for other weak spots as an inguinal hernia might occur on one side or both sides. In case of incarcerated or strangulated hernia the surgeon may remove the hernial sac and repair the area with stitches. The surgeon fixes a mesh in the weak area to prevent the hernia from recurring. The surgeon strengthens the weak spot in the ...
