When an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle, it is called a hernia. The abdomen is where this is most frequent.
A herniorrhaphy or hernioplasty is the medical term for hernia repair surgery. The misplaced tissue is put back into the body during this procedure. The weakened area is repaired or fixed.
Surgery to correct a hernia is frequent. In general, it is pretty secure and efficient. The recuperation period and possible hazards of this operation must be understood, however, if you or a loved one is thinking about having it.
If you would like to learn more about Hernia Surgery, you should consult a gastroenterologist. We have the best Gastroenterologist in Pune having vast experience in this field.
Types of Hernia Surgery and Recovery Time
Open operations, laparoscopic surgeries, and endoluminal fundoplication may be used for hernia procedures. They all take two to three hours to complete and are done under general anesthesia.
Open repair
The laparoscopic repair is less intrusive than this operation. Your surgeon will create one significant abdominal incision during this surgery. To produce a tighter sphincter, doctors will pull the stomach back into position and physically wrap it around the bottom part of the esophagus. To keep the tube in place, your surgeon may need to implant it into your stomach. If so, the tube must be removed within two to four weeks.
Laparoscopic repair
Because a laparoscopic repair is less intrusive, recovery time is shorter, and infection risk is lower. Your surgeon will make three to five small incisions in the abdomen. Through these incisions, they will put the surgical tools.
Your surgeon will bring the stomach back into the abdominal cavity where it belongs under the guidance of the laparoscope, which sends pictures of the inside organs to a monitor. The lower segment of the esophagus will then be wrapped around the upper part of the stomach, tightening the sphincter and preventing reflux.
Recovery after open hernia surgery, in which the surgeon makes a long incision to force the protruding organ back into place, often takes at least three weeks. In the case of a laparoscopic hernia repair, healing takes one to two weeks.
What to expect after Hernia Surgery?
After a hernia repair, recovery happens rather quickly. Depending on the extent of the hernia being treated, the patient’s general health, and the technique used to repair the hernia, the patient may or may not suffer discomfort.
When pain does occur, it is often treated with medicine. The patient may resume their regular everyday tasks and carry them out without difficulty within a few days.
What to do and not to do after Hernia Surgery?
Here are some important considerations for your hernia surgery recovery.
- Make sure to start eating as soon as possible, but stick to liquids first, then gradually incorporate small meals.
- Remain adequately hydrated. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of liquid each day as a goal.
- Continue taking your recommended painkillers, but as soon as you can handle it, switch to Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen). This will lessen any narcotics-related nausea or constipation.
- Prevent consuming alcohol when using narcotic painkillers. After you’ve quit using medicines, you can drink in moderate quantities.
- Always dress comfortably and loosely so as not to irritate your incision.
- If you need to sneeze, don’t panic, but have a cushion nearby. Hold your incision with it to prevent ripping when you cough or sneeze.
- Don’t forget to exercise and go for short walks. This lessens the risk of blood clots.
- Ensure to get sufficient sleep and, if you can, take afternoon naps. You’ll probably see that you fatigue more quickly.
- Avoid swimming, take showers and adhere to the aftercare recommendations on your discharge letter.
- Don’t disregard the advice to use stool softeners given upon discharge. Thus, constipation is lessened. You should consume 20 to 35 grams of fiber daily.
- Do not be concerned if your incisions feel firm or if you have little edema or bruising. Hardness beneath the wound might last for up to six months.
- After surgery, avoid lifting more than 10 to 20 pounds for 4 to 6 weeks. Your health care professional might have a more precise weight limit and schedule.
- Gradually introduce new tasks in the weeks after surgery. This may be done by cycling, walking quickly, or doing light yoga.
When to call the doctor after Hernia Surgery?
Contact your doctor if you have any of these signs after surgery:
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Fever of 101 or higher
- Diarrhea or vomiting that continues more than a day,
- A wound that seems to be infected, especially if it feels warm, changes color or emits a foul discharge
- The limbs of your body become numb
- A worsening of the pain (after the appearance of improvement)
Oasis Clinic (Dr. Aditya Kulkarni) unique approach to treating Hernia Surgery
Most surgeons who do hernia surgery at Oasis Clinic in India have extensive training and expertise. They can arrange the appropriate hernia surgery and therapy with the information they possess and quickly identify any hernia. They take the greatest care of the patients and collaborate closely with the nursing team to ensure they get the best possible medical attention.
The Oasis Clinic Pune’s director, Dr. Aditya Kulkarni, is one of the top gastroenterologists. At the famous Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, he practices as a consultant laparoscopic and robotic gastroenterologist, hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgeon, and cancer surgeon. He is a skilled robotic and laparoscopic surgeon, an expert in cancer treatment, and largely regarded as the greatest gastrointestinal and cancer surgeon in Pune.
FAQs
When can I exercise after Hernia Surgery?
A few months following surgery, most hernia patients can engage in intense activity and weightlifting. Around two to three months after a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, weightlifting and gym activities may be resumed. Waiting around 5–6 months might be prudent for big umbilical and incisional hernias.
How often do hernias come back after surgery?
After being treated, a hernia might recur, referred to as a “recurrent” hernia. After an initial hernia is successfully operated on, recurrent hernias develop. It might occur shortly after the first operation, a few weeks later, or several years afterward.