Recovering from Hernia Repair Surgery: What You Should Know

Both surgical procedures and recoveries for hernia can seem daunting, so it’s important to know what to expect before and after surgery.

It’s noteworthy to remember that recovery varies from person to person. Recovery times can also depend on what type of surgical procedure you have, whether it’s open surgery or a laparoscopic one. Laparoscopic procedures typically have a quicker recovery time compared to other methods.

When it comes down to it, your recovery experience will be unique to you. You may find yourself with a recovery that takes several months, or you could return to your normal routine within a couple of weeks.

Whatever your recovery looks like, Michael Sutker, MD, and his team are ready to help you every step of the way, and we want you to be prepared to have a smooth transition after a hernia surgery.

Pain levels after surgery

Your post-operative pain will vary depending on the type of surgical procedure you have.

If you have an open surgical procedure, the incision area is where you’ll experience the most pain. You should expect the worst pain immediately after surgery, but you should notice it starting to subside over the next few weeks. By the 4-6 week mark, most of your pain should be gone, and you can resume regular physical activities, including heavy lifting.

On the other hand, for a laparoscopic procedure, you should have minimal pain since the incisions from this surgery are small. Any discomfort that you experience following this surgery results from the insufflation gas that causes abdominal distention. It might be uncomfortable for the first 24-48 hours but should pass quickly. You should be able to resume your regular routine around 1-2 weeks post-surgery.

Sex after surgery

Most often, you’ll be able to resume your normal sex life as soon as sexual activities aren’t painful for you. This timeline can vary from several days to a few weeks. It’ll depend on the location of your hernia and the type of surgery you had. There’s a chance it’ll be uncomfortable, but there’s no medical reason to limit it.

Going back to work after surgery

Hernia surgeries use general anesthesia, so you should expect to take a few days off work following your procedure. Even if you’ve been under anesthesia before, your body can respond differently this time. The effects can linger for 24-48 hours following administration of anesthesia, so it’s vital to prepare. 

After the anesthesia has worn off, your timeline for going back to work depends on your job responsibilities. If you have a desk job or one that isn’t physically demanding, you can probably return to work in a few days. However, if you have a more invasive procedure or a physically active job, you’ll need a long recovery before going back to work again.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any concerns or feel your recovery process is going slower than planned. You can do this by calling Michael Sutker, MD, today at 972-566-7860 or booking an appointment online for a consultation at one of our offices in Dallas or McKinney, Texas.