Hernia Surgery
What to expect after groin, ventral or incisional hernia repair and how to return safely to normal activity.
The first few days
Pain, bruising, swelling and a feeling of tightness around the repair are common after hernia surgery.
Pain relief
Take your prescribed or recommended pain relief as required. Discomfort should gradually improve over the first several days.
Swelling & bruising
Bruising and swelling around the wound or groin can occur and may take several weeks to fully settle.
Looking after your wounds
Follow the dressing and wound-care instructions you were given when leaving hospital.
Some firmness, swelling or a small lump beneath the wound can occur as the tissues heal.
Contact the rooms if you develop increasing redness, discharge, worsening swelling or increasing pain around a wound.
Activity & lifting
Walking and normal daily activity are encouraged early after surgery. You do not need prolonged bed rest.
Walking
Walk regularly from the beginning and gradually increase distance as comfort allows.
Lifting
Increase lifting progressively. Discomfort is a useful guide. More complex repairs may require specific lifting restrictions.
Exercise
Return gradually to gym, running and sport as comfort and the nature of your repair allow.
Abdominal work
Build back to strenuous abdominal exercises progressively rather than returning immediately to maximal effort.
Driving & returning to work
Driving
Drive when you can move comfortably, wear a seatbelt, perform an emergency stop safely and are not taking medication that impairs driving.
Work
Return to work depends mainly on the physical demands of your job. Desk-based work can often be resumed sooner than work involving repeated heavy lifting.
Bowels & straining
Constipation can occur after surgery, particularly if you are taking stronger pain medication.
Keep well hydrated and avoid excessive straining. Use a simple stool softener or laxative if recommended or required.
Things that can be normal during recovery
Bruising • swelling • firmness around the repair • pulling or tightness • occasional sharp pains • temporary numbness or altered sensation • a small fluid collection or seroma
When to seek medical advice
Contact the rooms or seek medical assessment if you develop:
Increasing or severe abdominal pain • persistent vomiting • fever or chills • increasing abdominal distension • marked wound redness or discharge • rapidly worsening swelling
If you are severely unwell, attend an emergency department.
Follow-up
At your follow-up appointment we will review your wound, recovery, activity progression and any symptoms related to the repair.
Questions after your operation?
If you are unsure about pain, swelling, lifting, exercise, return to work or your recovery, please contact the rooms.
Contact the rooms