The exact length of an incisional hernia surgery recovery depends on the size and complexity of the repair. Some incisional hernia repairs can be done as outpatient procedures and only require a few days of downtime. Other hernia repairs require a one to two night hospital stay and two to four weeks off from work. Complex hernia repairs may require six to eight weeks off from work and regular routine.
Regardless of how long your recovery will be, there are a few things you must do to prepare for your recovery period. In this blog post, Dr. Gregory Dumanian shares a few helpful hernia surgery recovery tips to ensure that your recovery is a smooth and comfortable one.
Enlist help from a loved one. Your mobility will be limited during the first few days after surgery. Simple actions like sitting down and standing up, bending, sneezing and coughing may be painful. Many of Dr. Dumanian’s patients have found it helpful to have a loved one stay with them during the first few days and help them move around. A loved one can also help you with chores and errands while you get the bed rest you need. You will also need someone to drive you home after your procedure and to your first post-op office visit.
Buy your prescription medicine ahead of time. Dr. Dumanian will prescribe pain medication to minimize discomfort during your recovery. It’s wise to buy your medication ahead of time so it is ready for you to take immediately after surgery.
Request time off from work. Dr. Dumanian will let you know beforehand how much time you should expect to take off from work. Keep in mind, though, that depending on your healing process, Dr. Dumanian may recommend you take additional time off from work.
Buy your compression garment. In last month’s blog post, “What Should I Wear After Hernia Surgery?” Dr. Dumanian discussed compression garments, which are soft, surgical girdle-like garments that help minimize swelling and encourage healing. Immediately after your surgery, Dr. Dumanian will place surgical bandages and a compression garment over the operated area. For this reason, you will need to buy your compression garment ahead of time. It’s a good idea to buy more than one compression garment and try them on ahead of time. Your compression garment should be snug but not uncomfortable. Dr. Dumanian can recommend appropriate compression garments during your pre-op consultation.
Prepare your rest area. Rest is essential when recovering from surgery. Prepare your bed or your sofa with soft, plush pillows and clean blankets. Have plenty of bottled water around. Have clothes that are easy to put on and take off readily available. Dr. Dumanian can provide more insight as to what position you should rest in depending on the size and location of your hernia and incisions. Be sure to have the surgeon’s office number on hand as well, in case any questions arise.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Dumanian
To learn more about incisional hernia surgery, including more recovery tips, schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Dumanian. Please call (312) 695-6022 today.