Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to recover from hernia surgery?
Open hernia surgery, in which a physician uses a lengthy incision to force the protruding organ back into place, usually necessitates a three-week recovery period. The recovery time for a laparoscopic hernia repair is closer to one to two weeks.
2. Will I need anesthesia during hernia surgery?
Open hernia surgery is frequently performed under local anesthesia or a regional anesthetic is injected into the spine, this means you will be awake throughout the treatment but the area being operated on, will be numbed. This will prevent you from feeling any pain. A general anesthetic may be administered at times.
3. How do you sleep after hernia surgery?
Doctors advise sleeping on the side or back as other positions may harm your spine and put pressure on your hips.
4. How long after hernia surgery can I exercise?
Generally, if you are comfortable, you can walk after surgery. In another six to twelve weeks, non-impact exercises such as biking, swimming and planks for building core strength, can also be done. But, be sure to check with your doctor before starting any type of workouts after your surgery.
5. Can obesity cause hernia?
Obesity can increase the risk for developing recurrent hernias either at the site of the original hernia or other weakened areas. Being obese or overweight increases the strain and pressure on the abdominal muscles and makes them weaker and more prone to developing hernias.
6. How long does hernia surgery take?
Depending on the type and size of hernia, most routine hernia surgeries take 30 to 90 minutes. After surgery, the patient spends about 1-2 hours in the recovery room before being discharged.
7. What is the success rate of hernia surgery?
Reports of 90-99% success rates are common.
8. What should I wear after hernia surgery?
Most patients believe that wearing a compression garment, which is a soft, surgical girdle-like garment that goes over your abdomen and compresses it, reduces swelling and promotes proper healing.
9. What should I avoid after hernia surgery?
Avoid lifting anything that would make you strain. This may include heavy grocery bags, milk containers, a heavy briefcase, backpack, vacuum cleaner or even a child.
10. What is the diet after hernia surgery?
You will need to stay on a liquid or soft diet for approximately three weeks after surgery.
11. How to sneeze after hernia surgery?
Splint your incision for a few weeks when you need to cough or sneeze. This means applying pressure to the incision using your hands, a rolled-up blanket, or a pillow. To reduce the pressure on your incision, sneeze with your mouth open.