How long is hernia surgery recovery?

In this video FAQ about hernia surgery, Dr. Nora Fullington answers the question - How long is hernia surgery recovery?

Recovery is different for everyone. It involves some pain and some avoidance of physical activity while the hernia repair is allowed to heal. Exercise beyond leisurely walking should be avoided for two weeks after any hernia repair surgery in order to allow the area to heal. For mesh repairs, this allows the mesh to heal into place, reduces recurrence rates, and rates of postoperative bleeding. After two weeks, activity can be resumed safely, though avoiding things that cause sharp pain at this repair site is a good idea. For tissue repairs, the tissue needs to heal where they are stitched together to a level of strength that prevents bulging in the area. This means being very cautious about resuming any activity beyond walking before 4 weeks after surgery. Pain is usually managed by tylenol and ibuprofen, without the need for opioid pain medications in most cases though this can vary depending on the surgery a patient had and their history of opioid use in the past. Most patients can return to work in a few days.

Every patient is different and evaluation and guidance by a hernia specialist is important.

Dr. Nora Fullington is a hernia surgeon, hernia specialist, and abdominal core health specialist at Boston Hernia.