How long does it take to recover from hernia surgery? | General surgery

What is hernia surgery?

Surgery to repair your hernia will depend on the size and type of hernia you have. Your surgeon might recommend having an open surgery, where a single incision is made on your skin and the bulge is pushed back into place. During this surgery, any weakness in your abdominal wall muscles will also be repaired.

Alternatively, your Consultant might advise having a key-hole (laparoscopic) surgery. Instead of a single larger incision, your surgeon will make small incisions on your abdomen to repair your hernia.

The NHS states both keyhole and open surgery aim to close the gap in your abdominal wall muscles. Your Consultant will discuss these options with you and which method of hernia repair best fits your needs.

But what you should you expect following a hernia repair surgery? We investigate the road to recovery following a hernia surgery.

Most hernia surgeries are day-cases owing to the minimally invasive surgical technique of laparoscopies. This means you will be able to go home on the day of the surgery as long as you are supervised.

However, it might be advised that you remain in overnight for monitoring by our care team.

The full recovery time for hernia surgery is around 7 to 14 days. You will be encouraged to move around and build up strength around the repaired area after you wake from surgery.

This is important to allow the hernia mesh to bind with the tissue and strengthen against the previously protruding piece of bowel.

Towards the end of the 14 days, you can resume normal activities and return to work.

However, your clinician will personalise your recovery plan to make it just right for you.