Hernia surgery hurts because it involves cutting skin, muscle, and nerves, causing inflammation and tissue trauma, with pain varying by technique (laparoscopic is less painful) and individual nerve sensitivity, often managed with medication, though chronic pain can occur from nerve entrapment, scar tissue, or mesh issues. The goal is tolerable pain for healing, but significant discomfort often stems from nerve irritation, entrapment by stitches or mesh, and tension on repaired tissues, leading to sharp, electrical sensations.
After hernia repair surgery, it is common to experience mild to moderate pain and to feel a little run down. It's also normal to feel pulling or twinges in the affected area as you heal. Most people, however, feel better within a few days and much better within a week of surgery.
The level of pain depends on the procedure of hernia surgery you opt for. Basically, the stitches from hernia surgery make it hard for you to sleep on your stomach. Thus, sleeping on your sides or on your back is the most appropriate way. It helps you to heal faster and results in less pain.
Just take care of your pain and do not perform any kind of strenuous activity. As per doctors, hernia patients need two days of bed rest, though it might take more time in case of open surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, patients do not need any kind of bed rest.
As with any surgery, most patients experience some post operative pain in the area of their hernia repair. Most patients will also experience some level of swelling and bruising in the area. The first 2-3 days are usually the worst for most patients.
Recovery from hernia surgery generally takes around 4–6 weeks. Laparoscopic procedures generally heal faster than open surgery, and elderly patients often need more time. Following medical advice, doing gentle exercise, observing proper wound care, and avoiding heavy lifting are key to a smooth and safe recovery.
The short answer is that most people return to daily activities within a few days to weeks, but full hernia surgery recovery typically takes four to six weeks, and the complete healing process may continue for several months.
Typically, how long does hernia mesh last can range between 10 to 15 years, and in most cases, it lasts a lifetime. Synthetic meshes, made from durable polymers, are designed for permanent reinforcement, while absorbable meshes gradually dissolve after providing temporary support.
Avoid lifting anything that would make you strain. This may include heavy grocery bags and milk containers, a heavy briefcase or backpack, cat litter or dog food bags, a vacuum cleaner, or a child. Ask your doctor when you can drive again. Most people are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.
Sitting: for several days after surgery sitting may be uncomfortable. You may have to get up and move around and change positions periodically. Stairs: no limitations. Lifting: for the first week lifting is limited to 20 pounds.
Here are seven red flags that may indicate defective hernia mesh, backed by data from trusted medical and scientific authorities.
Not moving enough after surgery can cause big problems. It can lead to blood clots, muscle loss, and heart issues. These are serious issues that can affect your health. Being unable to walk after surgery can really hurt your health.
Avoid lifting more than 10 pounds for four weeks and excessive bending or twisting for one to two weeks following surgery. This is to allow healing of the incisions, specifically the fascia (the strongest layer of the abdomen wall) and to decrease the risk of your hernia coming back.
Try to avoid vigorous coughing if your repair was done with the open method. Coughing may strain your incision. For a couple of weeks, when you need to cough or sneeze, splint your incision. This means putting pressure over your incision with your hands, a rolled up blanket, or a pillow.
Severe chronic pain following hernia repair is usually due to ischemia or to neuropathy. Ischemia induced in musculofascial tissues by a repair done under tension is the most common cause of undue postoperative pain.
Not all hernia mesh implants are alike. Some have proven to be more susceptible to tearing or ripping than other types of hernia mesh implants. Two designs in particular are Ethicon's Physiomesh and Covidien – Medtronic's Parietex.
Robotic Hernia Surgery. Robotic surgery is a newer technique for repairing hernias. It's a minimally invasive procedure that's an alternative to traditional open surgery. During the procedure, your surgeon sits at a console and maneuvers the surgical instruments (robot) from the console.
Several mesh complications are often diagnosed with imaging, primarily with CT and less frequently with MRI and US, despite variable mesh visibility at imaging.
It will take 24 to 48 hours for the general anaesthetic to wear off. You do not need to stay in bed but we recommend that you get plenty of rest. Gently moving around your home will help your blood circulation and help to prevent blood clots.
Hernia mesh can cause crippling pain and discomfort, as well as infection and hernia recurrence. Similarly, hernia mesh has been known to migrate and shrink, also causing detrimental side effects.
After hernia surgery, avoid foods that cause bloating, constipation, or acid reflux. These include fried and fatty foods, spicy dishes, beans, cruciferous vegetables, fizzy drinks, caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, and dense breads.
Most surgeons recommend back sleeping with pillows or wedges for elevation during the early recovery period. As healing progresses, side sleeping becomes safer and can be supported by following guidance similar to post-operative recovery walking after hernia surgery to encourage gentle movement.