What to Expect After Hernia Repair Surgery

More than 1 million abdominal wall hernia repairs occur yearly in the United States, and about 20 million surgeries happen worldwide each year. 

Hernias develop when something inside your body, such as part of your intestine, pokes out through a weak spot in the muscle wall. Picture stuffing popping out of a ripped pillow. Not ideal.

Hernias don’t heal themselves. If ignored, they can worsen and become dangerous in some cases. Hernia surgery is safe, effective, and gets you back to your normal routine quickly.

If you notice a new or painful bulge where it doesn’t belong, schedule a visit with David Schumacher, MD, FACS, FASMBS, at Ohio Bariatrics and Laparoscopy in Springboro, Ohio, by phone or online. He can determine if you’re a candidate for surgery.

Preparing for hernia surgery

It’s vital to prepare for hernia surgery properly to ensure an effective outcome. Follow all of Dr. Schumacher’s instructions. It’s important to avoid smoking, make arrangements for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you, and temporarily stop taking certain medicines or supplements if asked to. 

Avoid eating and drinking anything on the morning of surgery. Before the procedure, you receive anesthesia to prevent any discomfort and anxiety.

What to expect during hernia repair

During hernia repair surgery, Dr. Schumacher makes one or more incisions, places herniated (bulging) tissue back into place, repairs weakened surrounding tissue, and creates a strong barrier wall (often using mesh) to provide extra support and reduce the risk of your hernia returning. 

Then, he stitches your incision closed and dresses the wound. Hernia repair often lasts 30 minutes and up to five hours in complex cases.

Hernia surgery recovery

After resting in a recovery area following hernia repair, you can often go home the same day. However, have a family member or friend drive you and stay with you. You can take medications to manage any temporary discomfort as directed by Dr. Schumacher. 

Take it easy for the first 24 hours by getting plenty of rest. You can often complete basic daily activities, including light walking, the day after your procedure. 

Keep the incision site clean and report any signs of infection (redness, warmth, drainage, pus, fever, etc.) to Dr. Schumacher immediately. Follow up with him as instructed to ensure effective healing. 

If you have a non-physically demanding job, you can typically return to work within a few days. However, avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks until given the OK by Dr. Schumacher. 

Use caution when getting up from a lying position, drink plenty of fluids, and eat high-fiber foods to prevent constipation and the straining it causes. 

Are you ready to have a hernia repaired to reduce the risk of future complications? Contact us today at Ohio Bariatrics and Laparoscopy by phone or online to schedule an evaluation and receive treatment recommendations.