Recovery After Hernia Surgery
Hernia surgery is offered when it is believed that the surgery will improve a patient’s situation and quality of life. The surgery is designed to address the pain and functional restriction that comes from having a hernia and also to reduce the risk of developing serious problems from having an untreated hernia.
What to expect
Many patients will have concerns regarding recovery after hernia surgery, and the impact this will have on work, sporting commitments and lifestyle. At the Ballarat Hernia Clinic we have a strong commitment to excellence in surgical care and enhanced recovery afterwards.
Laparoscopic hernia repair
Dedicated to ensuring the speediest recovery for our patients, we utilise minimally invasive approaches wherever possible. This means considerably less pain after laparoscopic hernia repair than after open hernia repair. Since laparoscopic surgery consists of smaller skin incisions, this also means much less risk of wound infections, mesh infection or chronic pain.
Most patients can go home on the day of surgery, or the day after. You will be able to walk around, eat and drink, and do most day to day activities immediately. Recovery can be expected in 1-2 weeks, with return to all activities, including heavy lifting at the end of 2 weeks, which is much different to the course of recovery after hernia surgery performed in the past.
Pain levels are usually maximal in the first 24-48 hours after surgery, but are usually not significant and is manageable with the pain medication that will be provided to you upon discharge. As hernia surgery requires a general anaesthetic in most cases, you will not be able to drive yourself home from hospital, and it is important that you do not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after your operation.
Open hernia repair
Some hernias, especially large ones are best repaired with open surgery, and recovery can be slightly longer and more restrictions may apply in the first 3-4weeks. Depending on your hernia and the technique used for repair, there may be lifting and exercise restrictions for a period of time afterwards, although in general most patients will be back to unrestricted full activity by 4 weeks. It is common for patients to return to work for light duties from 1-2 weeks after surgery. We would be able to issue you with a Certificate of Capacity and Return to Work Certificate.
Massive hernias requiring abdominal wall reconstruction may necessitate much longer or even lifelong restrictions in some patients in order to reduce the risk of problems or hernia recurrence.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)
For complex hernia repairs Dr Wong has authored an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol specifically designed to optimise recovery after major surgery.
The key principles of this include multimodal pain management, optimised nutrition and bowel care, early mobilisation, standardised preoperative care, early removal of drains, catheters and invasive devices, utilising minimally invasive surgery and providing patient education. This results in enhancement of all aspects of care that leads to reduced hospital stay, decreased complications, and a much more positive patient experience and recovery.