Hernias refer to a condition in which a section of your outer abdominal wall tears slightly and a sac in your inner intestines forms and sticks out through the tear. Since a hernia will not heal on its own, hernia repair surgery is essential. During hernia surgery, your doctor will re-insert the protruding sac and sew the abdominal tear or patch over the injury site. Proper recovery is essential to your overall hernia repair process.
Immediately After Surgery
Modern hernia techniques (including laparoscopic surgery that relies on small incisions instead of a larger abdominal opening) have lessened the time and severity of hernia repair recovery. Nonetheless, in the days and weeks after surgery you can expect to have a difficult time with certain everyday activities. For many patients, walking is tough immediately after surgery, and climbing stairs may cause pain or discomfort for a few days. Many seemingly simple tasks like driving a car may exacerbate your surgery pain. While immediate pain may not occur, you must take extra precautions during the first few days because the repair is still in formation. However, the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons recommends that you don't simply lie around in bed after surgery. Try to remain as mobile as your doctor allows.
The Weeks After Surgery
According to the American College of Surgeons, you must bathe carefully during your first few post-surgery weeks so that you do not soak your wound dressing. Other activities that you may find uncomfortable or painful in the weeks after surgery include sex, jogging and heavy lifting. After surgery, your doctor will consider factors such as your age, your health history, the severity of the hernia, the surgery method and your occupation to give you an overall recovery timetable and let you know what activities or exercises to avoid initially.
The Importance of Proper Recovery
While you may want to get right back to work and to your regular routine after hernia surgery, you must follow your doctor's recovery recommendations. Hernia repair usually fixes the tear for good, but on occasion the abdominal wall tears again. The likelihood of a relapse increases greatly if you do not let the hernia site heal. According to the American College of Surgeons, 1 to 5 percent of hernia patients may experience another hernia at the original hernia site at some point in their lives.
Complications of Hernia Repair
Although hernia surgery is common and relatively risk-free, complications still may occur. Infections, bleeding and urinary problems are all potentially possible complications. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a high fever, (above 101 degrees Fahrenheit), abdominal pain that won't cease or that worsens, urinary problems, nausea, chills or pus forming around your surgery site. These symptoms may indicate that an infection has developed. To prevent a widespread infection, take any abnormal symptoms seriously.
Tags: your doctor, hernia surgery, after surgery, hernia repair, abdominal wall, abdominal wall tears, According American