A hernia happens when an organ or other tissues push through a muscle or tissue that holds that organ in place. Hernias can occur in several places on your body, but are most common in the abdominal and groin areas, where underlying tissues push through the abdominal wall.
Depending on the location and severity of the hernia, you may need surgery immediately, or you may be able to put it off for a while. However, you will eventually need surgery to repair it, since it won’t go away on its own — and will likely worsen over time if left untreated.
Well over one million hernia repair procedures are performed every year in the United States. At Michael Sutker, MD, in Dallas, Texas, board-certified general surgeon Dr. Sutker provides comprehensive surgical treatment for various hernia types using the most advanced surgical technology. Here’s what you should know about hernia repair recovery.
After any surgery, it’s important to rest. Your recovery time will vary depending on the type of hernia as well as the type of hernia repair surgery you have. Advanced, minimally invasive laparoscopic repair methods, including robotic-assisted surgery, promote faster healing and a shorter overall recovery timeline.
Most patients recover rapidly, with the majority of people mostly healed within two weeks of surgery. In some cases, however, it can take up to eight weeks for full recovery.
Most hernia surgeries are outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the day of your surgery. If you’ve had general anesthesia, you’ll probably feel groggy for a day or two after your procedure.
You can and should move around, minimally and slowly, once you’re home, increasing your activity incrementally as you regain your strength. Avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks. Dr. Sutker will monitor your recovery, offering detailed guidelines on activity safety and progression.
Plan to take two weeks off from work as you heal and recover. If you have a strenuous or highly active job, you may need more time before you can move freely without pain or limitations.
You may experience diarrhea or constipation after hernia repair surgery. As such, you should try to add fiber to your diet to help you stay regular. Otherwise, there are no food restrictions post-hernia surgery other than avoiding alcohol for a few days following anesthesia use.
You may experience pain and soreness at the surgical site following your hernia repair. Dr. Sutker’s office will prescribe pain medication that should be taken as instructed, and then gradually reduced as your pain levels subside and healing progresses.
For more information about any part of the hernia surgery process, contact Michael Sutker, MD, to schedule an appointment at our Dallas, Texas, office today
