Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Should I Expect from Hernia Surgery?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

What a person should expect from hernia surgery depends on the type of surgery chosen for his particular case. A patient may undergo either an open herniorrhaphy or a laparoscopic herniorrhaphy. Both operations generally take about one to two hours to complete, but the laparoscopic surgery is thought to provide for a faster recovery.

When a doctor performs an open herniorrhaphy, he makes one incision close to or over where the hernia is located. He then goes to work to repair the hernia, which sometimes involves removing the sac of protruding tissue. His next step is the sewing of the torn muscle wall. Finally, he may use a mesh made of man-made materials to strengthen the part of the muscle wall that had the hernia.

A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used for performing surgeries.
A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used for performing surgeries.

Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy accomplishes the same repair, but two to five small incisions are used to access the hernia instead of the long incision used with open hernia surgery. The surgeon uses a tiny scope that has its own light to see the hernia on a screen or monitor, placing the scope into one of the incisions. He puts the small instruments in through the other incisions in order to fix the patient's hernia.

Laparoscopic hernia surgery is a minimally invasive procedure.
Laparoscopic hernia surgery is a minimally invasive procedure.

Laparoscopic surgery is sometimes described as an operation that repairs from the inside while open hernia surgery repairs from the outside. No matter which type of surgery a patient undergoes, he should expect that there will be risks involved, as complications are always possible with surgery. For example, a person could develop an infection after surgery or internal bleeding that is difficult to stop. He could also develop potentially dangerous blood clots. It’s important to note, however, that the risks of the hernia may outweigh the risks of surgery in many cases. This is because an untreated hernia could become strangulated, causing a life-threatening health emergency.

Henia operations are among the most common operations formed annually.
Henia operations are among the most common operations formed annually.

Hernia surgery is typically done under general anesthesia, which means that the person is asleep during the procedure, or local anesthesia, which means that the patient is awake and aware but numbed in the area. However, it is often done on an outpatient basis, allowing the patient to go home after a short time, without an overnight stay in a hospital or other medical facility. Following surgery to repair a hernia, a person may be advised to consume fiber-rich foods and drink plenty of water, as some people have trouble having bowel movements after surgery. Heavy lifting should be avoided until a doctor says this activity can be resumed, usually about two to three months. Generally, a person can go back to work in about a week or two after surgery; however, it may be nearly a month before he is completely recovered.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a TheHealthBoard writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Talentryto

@heavanet- It is also important that patients take any antibiotics as prescribed after hernia surgery. This will help to ward off infections, especially if internal screens were inserted around the site of the hernia.

Heavanet

My husband had hernia surgery last year, and had a very easy recovery. He did have some pain and swelling, but only for a few days after the procedure. Medications prescribed by his surgeon took care of his mild discomfort.

It is absolutely vital that the patient follow his doctor's orders about lifting. My husband's doctor knows that he was in a hurry to get back to doing normal activities, so he explained what could happen if he lifted heavy objects. The bottom line is that rushing the recovery process is not worth the risk of making stitches come open or having to have repeat surgery.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used for performing surgeries.
      By: iofoto
      A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used for performing surgeries.
    • Laparoscopic hernia surgery is a minimally invasive procedure.
      By: Monkey Business
      Laparoscopic hernia surgery is a minimally invasive procedure.
    • Henia operations are among the most common operations formed annually.
      By: Monkey Business
      Henia operations are among the most common operations formed annually.