According to the Surgery Channel website, there are more than 500,000 hernia surgeries performed annually in the United States. A hernia forms when the outer walls of the abdomen lose strength or tear. This hole forces the inner lining of the abdomen to stick out creating a sac and a portion of the intestine or abdominal tissue may pierce the sac. Having a hernia can result in pain and other health problems such as infection. The only way to resolve a hernia is to have surgery.
After Surgery
On the day after surgery, you will want to consume small, light meals and drink plenty of liquids. You will be able to eat a regular diet soon after. It is common for vomiting and nausea within the first 24 hours after the procedure.
Pain
It is common to feel discomfort around the location of incision. Swelling and bruising are common but will eventually disappear after a few days. Pain can be anticipated up the first two days after surgery. Ice should be applied on the incision for the first 48 hours to relieve swelling and pain. Expect some difficulty walking after the first few hours after the procedure and you will have to refrain from using stairs for a few days.
Expect some discomfort in the groin area. Men may see some swelling of their penis and women may see some swelling around the vagina. This swelling will subside within a few days. The area around the incision will be black and blue but the discoloration will fade after a couple of days.
Resuming Activities
The American College of Surgeons states that you should not engage in sexual intercourse for the first week or two after hernia surgery. As for driving, after a few days you will be able to get behind the wheel again. Depending on the extent of surgery, your physician will direct you when you can engage in strenuous physical activity.
Total Recovery Time
According to the American College of Surgeons, total recovery time after a hernia surgery is one to six weeks.
