Going home
When in the recovery room, you’ll be monitored. Within about two hours you’ll be able to stand and walk slowly. After you’re able to void and drink liquids without significant nausea or vomiting, and after being able to walk without any dizziness, you’ll be discharged. For most patients, this will occur from 3-6 hours after your surgery is finished. You won’t be able to drive yourself home. We recommend no driving for the first 2-4 days, and if you’re using pain medication that will continue as long as you use it.
Recovery
Typical recovery after a laparoscopic inguinal repair is associated with mild to moderate incisional pain and mild groin discomfort. This can last from up to two weeks but is almost always gone by the third or fourth week after surgery.
The groin discomfort during the first week may be secondary to the gas used during surgery, the hernia dissections, or rarely the mesh material or tacks (if used).
Your three incisions will have a bandage on them. Dr. Jacob will perform this laparoscopic hernia surgery through a single ½-inch incision beneath the belly button, and two additional 1/4 -inch incisions below this along the lower midline. You’ll be able to remove the outer bandages after two days and the white tape or skin glue in 7-10 days.
You can shower the first day after surgery, but you cannot take a bath or do any swimming for at least 5 days.
Exercise
We encourage inguinal hernia patients to walk, use a treadmill, or use a stationary bike without any resistance on the first day after your surgery. Heavier exercise, such as running or lifting any weight over 25 pounds needs to wait for two weeks, or when you’re completely pain free, whichever is first.
Work
Most patients can return to work without restrictions (except heavy lifting) in from 3-7 days.
While these surgery methods with Dr. Jacob make for a rapid recovery when compared to former “open” surgery, you still need to respect your healing. You need to expect that it can take up to 3 weeks to feel completely back to normal.
Do you have symptoms of an inguinal hernia? Please call us at NYC Hernia, (888) 244-1379, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Jacob.
