Precautions to Be Taken After Hernia Surgery

A hernia is a very discomforting condition. Surgery is the best approach to treat a hernia, which can be very taxing for the patients. However, we at HexaHealth want our patients to enjoy their post-surgery life to the fullest. Therefore, we try to explain to our patients how crucial it is for them to recover completely to enjoy that freedom and good health after recovery. If you are looking to know about the precautions after hernia surgery, please continue to read here at HexaHealth.

What Is a Hernia?

A hernia is an abnormal protruding of muscle tissue or a body organ from a weak point in the muscle layer. Hernias are operated with laparoscopic, minimally invasive surgery than open surgical procedures. It is a safe and effective method of treatment.

Precautions To Be Taken After Hernia Surgery:

1)Diet:

1. Your overall well-being depends on the type of diet you have. One needs to take special care of the diet after hernia surgery. It is difficult to digest solid foods due to the anaesthesia (numbing medicine) given before the surgery. Therefore, a liquid diet is recommended for one to two weeks after the surgery. You can start having solid food only when your doctor recommends. You should drink plenty of fluids to avoid constipation. Difficulty in passing stools causes strain that may cause pain around the surgical site. A good amount of fluid intake ensures soft stools and makes bowel movements easier.
2. If you suffer from constipation, taking a mild laxative can help soften the stools and ensure easy bowel movements.[3] 
3. Effects of Anaesthesia:
4. It takes some time for the effect of anaesthesia to wear off after the surgery. Therefore, the doctor will wait for the complete reversal of anaesthetic effect before they discharge you.[1]
5. If general anaesthesia is used for the surgery, it might temporarily impair your reasoning and coordination briefly. In such a case, you should refrain from drinking alcohol, driving, operating any heavy machinery or signing any type of legal documents or papers for at least 48 hours after the surgery.[3] 

2)Wound care:

1. Do’s and Don’ts checklist for post hernia surgery:
2.  Do’s and don’ts for wound management post hernia surgery.

3)Pain management:

You will be advised to lie on your back straight to avoid headaches that might be caused due to anaesthesia. This can be an uncomfortable process that must be done for a couple of hours post-surgery. Painkillers prescribed by the physicians at the time of discharge can be taken in cases of severe pain.[1] 

1. Bath:
2. Avoid taking baths, going to pools or hot tubs for at least two weeks post-surgery.[4] 
3. Precautions should be taken to prevent the surgical site from getting wet. You can take a shower instead of taking a bath to prevent the wound from getting wet.
4. Exercise and other activities:
5. It is beneficial to indulge in light physical activities like brisk walking or climbing the stairs. Exercise stimulates bowel movements. Deep breathing and light yoga also help increase oxygenation and blood flow and speed up the process of recovery.
6. Sexual activities are not restricted post hernia surgery. You may feel some discomfort at the surgical site for a week or two. You must stop if the pain increases during certain positions.

Conclusion:

We hope these tips will help you recover better after the hernia surgery and prevent postoperative complications. It is in the hands of patients to pay proper attention to the post-surgery care instructions to recover to perfect health. We at HexaHealth give our best to provide you with the best care in treating hernia, fistula, fissure, and many more conditions at our clinics spread throughout the country.

 HexaHealth connects you to over 500 experienced healthcare specialists with more than ten years of experience and the best hospitals in your city. HexaHealth personal care buddies can assist you in choosing the best insurance to claim and reimburse the same. We walk you through all the steps required to get well back to your normal self.