What to Expect after Hernia Surgery

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Most patients undergoing hernia surgery for the first time can safely and comfortably go home the same day. Patients who need an abdominal wall reconstruction for large hernias or have advanced medical conditions will remain in the hospital.

The rate of recovery is dependent on many factors.  The type of surgery, pre-existing pain, cultural expectations, personal pain threshold and complexity of surgery all play a role in the pace of recovery. At The PATCH Institute we focus on these factors as it applies to you, and develop a multi-pronged Enhanced Recovery and Comfort (ERC) Program to help you recover as quickly as possible. Our ERC Program focuses on the 3 stages of surgery: pre-operative, operative and post-operative.

Studies have shown that medications and nerve/field blocks can blunt the pain signals transmitted to the brain. This is called pre-emptive analgesia. By blunting the pain signal transmission, patients usually experience less pain during and after surgery. With our ERC Program, we can utilize several medications including (oral or IV) acetaminophen, Cox-2 inhibitors (e.g. Celebrex), gabapentinoid (e.g. Lyrica) and/or opioid-receptor agonists (e.g. Tramadol). 

One of the best ways to improve the speed of recovery is to perform surgery through small incisions using laparoscopy or advanced robotic surgical systems. As part of our ERC Program, we usually perform nerve or field blocks prior to incision or early in the surgery to blunt the pain signals.  Our anesthesiologists are trained in performing advanced nerve and field blocks such as TAP (transversus abdominis plane), Quadratus Lumborum, or Rectus Sheath blocks.

Most patients are concerned about experiencing too much pain after surgery. We will ensure that you are comfortable after surgery, but it is important to remember that pain is a way for the body to guide you. Pain will tell you when you need to rest or take it easy. Pain will tell you when you’ve overexerted yourself after surgery. Pain will tell you when you are potentially harming the repair. We do not want to completely eliminate pain. Also, to completely eliminate pain after surgery would require narcotics that can lead to severe constipation, dizziness and nausea. Constipation after hernia surgery is usually worse than the incisional pain itself.

The most important thing to do after surgery is to rest. After most hernia surgeries you will need 2-3 full days of rest. When you get home after surgery, plan to sleep a lot or rest on the couch. Over the next 2 days read a good book or watch some good movies/shows. You will be able to walk around the house or in the yard but focus on relaxing and resting. Many patients find herbal teas to be very soothing and relaxing also. Icing the incisions during the first 2 days is also recommended.

For the first 2 days, we recommend alternating Ibuprofen and Tylenol. When you get home start by taking Ibuprofen. Then 3 hours later take Tylenol. Continue taking each medication every 6 hours. This way every 3 hours you’re are taking a pain reliever. With this regimen narcotic pain pills are not necessary.

Almost all patients are discharged home the same day. Ibuprofen and Tylenol work well together. Placing an ice pack over the incision during the first 48 – 72 hours also help. Remember, the goal is not to have zero pain, but to be comfortable at rest and with movement. Narcotics may be needed for the first few days. Focusing on resting is very important.

Constipation is very common after surgery. You should have a bowel movement by the 3rd day after surgery. Take stool softeners and drink lots of fluids after surgery. If necessary, take an over the counter laxative such as milk of magnesia or use a fleet enema.

If your incisions are dry, you may shower 48 hours after surgery. Dressings should be removed before showering.  If your incisions are seeping or if you have a drain, ask your surgeon.

You will be able to walk and use the stairs right away. Do not perform chores or drive for at least 1 week. Most patients can return to normal activities, including non-strenuous work, about 2-3 weeks after surgery.  If you perform strenuous work or activities, your surgeon will likely restrict those activities for 4-6 weeks.

Nausea and difficulty swallowing can occur after these repairs. Therefore, most patients are observed in the hospital overnight. An UGI – an x-ray where you swallow contrast dye – may be performed the following morning before you are discharged to examine the condition of the esophagus, tightness of the wrap and to rule out any leaks.

You will be given liquid pain medication or medications that come in very small pills. Because there will be swelling in your esophagus and the wrap, larger pills may have trouble passing the first week or two after surgery.

Retching and vomiting can cause serious problems after surgery. It may cause the wrap to slip or the repair to fall apart. You will be prescribed anti-nausea medications after surgery.

Liquid Ibuprofen and Tylenol work well together.  Icing the incisions during the first 48 – 72 hours will help.  Remember, the goal is not to have zero pain, but to be comfortable at rest and with movement. Focusing on resting is very important.

Shoulder pain is very common after diaphragm surgery. Frequent gentle shoulder/back massages and/or warm compresses help. Narcotic pain medications do not help for the shoulder pain. 

If your incisions are dry, you may shower 48 hours after surgery. If your incisions are seeping or if you have a drain, ask your surgeon.

Continue walking often. Do not perform chores or drive for at least 1 week. Most patients can return to normal activities, including non-strenuous work, about 3-4 week after surgery.  The diaphragm is a very strong sheet of muscle and is used in strenuous work, vigorous exercise, coughing and sneezing. Since the repair involves suturing the diaphragm, any strenuous activity can damage the repair. Your surgeon will likely recommend avoiding heavy labor and sporting activities for several months.

As mentioned above, post-operative swelling can make swallowing large items difficult and potentially dangerous. Most patients will be required to start on a liquid diet for a week or two. If there are no swallowing problems, the diet is then gradually progressed from soft to regular food. Large chunks of meat, bread and rice can easily get stuck in the esophagus.