If you have pain or discomfort in the groin or abdomen, especially when you are bending over, coughing or lifting weights, you may have a hernia. These uncomfortable hernia symptoms can negatively affect your life. Take the first step towards healing and consult a doctor about your surgical options.
As with many surgical procedures, you may experience pain after hernia surgery. In most open, laparoscopic and robotic hernia repairs, your hernia surgery will use general anesthesia during the procedure. General anesthesia is very safe due to precise administration. Your anesthesiologist will be present during the surgery and will monitor you the entire time. While there are some measures you can take to temporarily relieve pain, the best long-term solution to effectively treating a hernia is through surgery.
After Surgery
After hernia repair surgery, it is common to experience mild to moderate pain for a few days. Our surgical team recommends the following regimen to mitigate the risk of developing severe pain:
- The patient takes Tylenol 1000mg the night before surgery before going to bed.
- After surgery, the patient takes Tylenol 1000mg every 6 hours for the first 3 days. If the pain is not relieved by Tylenol and not contraindicated by ulcer disease or kidney disease, he or she can take ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours for pain.
- Most patients do not need narcotic pain medication for inguinal hernias. Occasionally they will need narcotic pain medication for the first 2-3 days for ventral/incisional hernia repairs.
- The patient is instructed to take the narcotic pain medication ONLY if the pain is unrelieved by Tylenol and Advil.
Most people feel better a couple of days after surgery and significantly better within seven days. You may have bruising or feel pulling or mild twinges in the affected area when you move for a few weeks after surgery.
Recovery Guidelines
To ensure a safe and quick recovery, surgeons with the Hernia Center of NGMC recommend you follow these guidelines:
- Rest. Getting plenty of sleep will help you recover quicker.
- Walk every day. Gradually increase the amount you walk each day. Walking can help increase blood flow to help you heal quicker.
- Avoid strenuous activities, such as running or biking, until your doctor gives you the approval to resume these activities.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects such as small children, grocery bags, etc.
- Avoid sexual intercourse until your doctor gives you approval.
- Take medications exactly as prescribed.
- Schedule and maintain your follow-up appointment one to two weeks after surgery.
Most of our patients at the Hernia Center of NGMC can return to a light work schedule (no lifting over 15 pounds) one week after surgery and a full work schedule after two weeks (with no restrictions).
Signs to Watch For:
If you lose consciousness or have trouble breathing during recovery, seek emergency care. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Signs of infection such as pain, swelling red streaks or draining from the incision.
- Signs of a blood clot such as pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh or groin, or if you have redness or swelling in your leg or groin.
- You are unable to have a bowel movement.
- Your pain is not improving after taking pain medication.
Next Steps
While there may be some pain associated with recovering from hernia surgery, the long-term relief from hernia repair will be well worth the temporary discomfort.
If you think you have a hernia, schedule your appointment by calling 770-219-4040 or requesting an appointment with our Hernia Center of Excellence team.