“How long is the recovery time for abdominal hernia surgery?”
I will have abdominal hernia surgery. How long is the recovery time for abdominal hernia surgery?
2 Answers
3-6 months.
The answer to this question depends on the type of hernia. For most abdominal hernias (including umbilical and inguinal herniae) the following postoperative guidelines apply:
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
You will find yourself feeling weak and tired for 1-2 weeks after going home (and maybe longer). This will eventually resolve. Listen to your body and rest when you feel you need to. Do not “push through the pain”. Expect some swelling and bruising in the surgical area. This will resolve with time. You may apply an ice pack over the bandage, 30 minutes on then 30 minutes off, for comfort and to reduce swelling. Your belly will feel bloated for about one week; you may not be able to close your pants. This will pass as you heal. In the meantime, you might be more comfortable in loose-fitting clothing.
ACTIVITIES
You will feel easily fatigued for at least one week after discharge; this is normal. Rest as much as you need to. You may take short trips in a car as desired. You should not drive until you have stopped taking your narcotic pain medications. You are encouraged to take short walks two to three times daily. You can also go up and down stairs as desired. Do NOT strain your abdominal muscles for at least two weeks. For most people, this generally means no lifting over 20 lbs. Refrain from sports and exercise during the first two weeks at home. After two weeks, you may return to all normal activities, as you desire (avoid very heavy, sudden lifting that causes increased discomfort). However, it may take a total of 4 weeks after your surgery before you reach your normal fitness level. Depending on the physical activity requirements of your job you will probably be out of work for a minimum of one week but this should be discussed with your surgeon. A work note can be provided for you if needed.
DIET
You may return to normal food after you get home from your surgery. You may wish to avoid heavy food following your surgery and perhaps just take liquids that day. The day after your surgery you may eat anything you wish. You may want to avoid carbonated beverages for several days.
INCISIONS
Your incisions are closed with absorbable sutures which will not need to be removed. You will have Steristrips over these incisions. Leave the Steristrips alone for two weeks or until they fall off. An additional bandage will be placed over the wound. This can be removed or replaced after two days, depending on your preference. On the second day after surgery, you may shower. Do not soak your wounds in water (i.e. bathtub, hot tub, swimming pool) for two weeks.
MEDICATIONS
Use the narcotic pain medication as prescribed. You should switch to Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) as soon as possible to reduce side effects from the narcotic. Take stool softeners until you have a bowel movement. If you have not had a bowel movement by the 3rd day after surgery, you may take a gentle laxative such as Milk of Magnesia or Dulcolax as directed.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
You will find yourself feeling weak and tired for 1-2 weeks after going home (and maybe longer). This will eventually resolve. Listen to your body and rest when you feel you need to. Do not “push through the pain”. Expect some swelling and bruising in the surgical area. This will resolve with time. You may apply an ice pack over the bandage, 30 minutes on then 30 minutes off, for comfort and to reduce swelling. Your belly will feel bloated for about one week; you may not be able to close your pants. This will pass as you heal. In the meantime, you might be more comfortable in loose-fitting clothing.
ACTIVITIES
You will feel easily fatigued for at least one week after discharge; this is normal. Rest as much as you need to. You may take short trips in a car as desired. You should not drive until you have stopped taking your narcotic pain medications. You are encouraged to take short walks two to three times daily. You can also go up and down stairs as desired. Do NOT strain your abdominal muscles for at least two weeks. For most people, this generally means no lifting over 20 lbs. Refrain from sports and exercise during the first two weeks at home. After two weeks, you may return to all normal activities, as you desire (avoid very heavy, sudden lifting that causes increased discomfort). However, it may take a total of 4 weeks after your surgery before you reach your normal fitness level. Depending on the physical activity requirements of your job you will probably be out of work for a minimum of one week but this should be discussed with your surgeon. A work note can be provided for you if needed.
DIET
You may return to normal food after you get home from your surgery. You may wish to avoid heavy food following your surgery and perhaps just take liquids that day. The day after your surgery you may eat anything you wish. You may want to avoid carbonated beverages for several days.
INCISIONS
Your incisions are closed with absorbable sutures which will not need to be removed. You will have Steristrips over these incisions. Leave the Steristrips alone for two weeks or until they fall off. An additional bandage will be placed over the wound. This can be removed or replaced after two days, depending on your preference. On the second day after surgery, you may shower. Do not soak your wounds in water (i.e. bathtub, hot tub, swimming pool) for two weeks.
MEDICATIONS
Use the narcotic pain medication as prescribed. You should switch to Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) as soon as possible to reduce side effects from the narcotic. Take stool softeners until you have a bowel movement. If you have not had a bowel movement by the 3rd day after surgery, you may take a gentle laxative such as Milk of Magnesia or Dulcolax as directed.
