Precautions to be Taken After Hernia Surgery
Hernia is a condition featuring the weakening of a muscle, resulting in abdominal swelling and bulging. In women, it is experienced after a C-section delivery due to the weak and delicate nature of the naval. On the other hand, in men, hernia commonly occurs and is experienced in the groin muscles.
Doctors treat hernia with two types of surgeries – laparoscopic and conventional operation. Laparoscopic surgery requires making fewer incisions near the spot. Traditional surgery involves making long and deep cuts in the abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery requires less time to recover.
After hernia surgery, the patient should follow some precautions prescribed by the doctor. If you are looking to undergo hernia surgery soon, here are some generic precautions you will have to take. The doctor may prescribe some case-specific precautions, which also will have to be followed.
Hernia Surgery Do’s and Don’ts
Here are some do’s and don’ts to follow after hernia surgery.
Do’s
- Clean the wound regularly per the hospital’s instructions.
- Take regular walks to improve your metabolism.
- Keep the incisions clean and dry. Apply the gauze after bathing.
- Eat fiber-rich foods.
- Drink at least eight glasses of water daily to reduce constipation.
Don’ts
- Do not lift heavy weights after surgery.
- Don’t swim.
- Don’t indulge in sex for a couple of weeks if there’s post-operative swelling of the penis and testicles.
- Don’t smoke after surgery
- Don’t engage in heavy and strenuous physical exercises
- Don’t consume alcohol
- Don’t drive if the narcotic effect of medicines persists
Lifestyle Changes After Hernia Surgery
Hernia surgery also demands making some lifestyle changes.
- Quit smoking. If you cannot do it immediately, at least try to do it eventually. That’s because nicotine affects the body’s blood flow. After hernia surgery, your body requires seamless and adequate blood flow for the incision to heal.
- Include fiber-rich foods in the diet based on your doctor’s prescription, to avoid constipation.
- Perform exercises as prescribed by your doctor to strengthen your muscles.
- Excessive weight can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, etc. Hence, if you are overweight or suffering from obesity, try to lose weight through doctor-recommended diet and exercises.
Hernia Post-Surgery – What to Expect?
After surgery, you may experience the following.
- Pain and discomfort for a few weeks.
- Strange bowel movements.
- In cases of inguinal hernia, swelling in the groin area.
- Small pieces of tape called steri strips fall from the stomach.
Ensure you go for regular follow-ups and stay connected with your doctor to report changes, etc., in your body. Keeping the doctors updated and discussing your experiences transparently and completely can help address severe or unusual problems, if any, in time without letting them aggravate.
Are you looking for some more specific guidance on hernia treatment? Visit Ranka Hospital. Call us at 020 – 24261528 to book an appointment with our doctors.
