An abdominal hernia repair is a type of surgery. It fixes a problem called a hernia. A hernia is a bulge under the skin in your belly. It happens when you have a weak spot in your belly muscles and a piece of your intestines or tissues pokes through your muscles. This can cause pain. You may notice the pain most when you lift something heavy.
You can have a hernia near your belly button. Or it may be in a scar from an earlier surgery. To fix it, the doctor will do one of two kinds of surgery. In open surgery, the doctor makes one cut near the hernia. This cut is called an incision. In laparoscopic surgery, the doctor makes several very small incisions and uses a thin, lighted scope and small tools. In either type of surgery, the doctor pushes the bulge back in place, if needed. Then the doctor sews the healthy tissue back together. Often the doctor patches the weak spot with a piece of material.
Laparoscopic surgery leaves several small scars. Open surgery leaves one long scar. The scars fade with time.
You will probably need to take 1 to 2 weeks off from work. But if your job requires heavy lifting or other physical work, you may need to take 4 to 6 weeks off.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
After surgery to repair your hernia, you are likely to have pain for a few days. You may also feel tired and have less energy than normal. This is common.
You should feel better after a few days and will probably feel much better in 7 days.
For several weeks you may feel discomfort or pulling in the hernia repair when you move. You may have some bruising around the area of the repair. This is normal.
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