Recovery From Hernia Mesh Surgery

While you are recovering from hernia mesh surgery, it may take several weeks before you can resume your regular activities. Doctors will insist you not lift anything or tackle strenuous tasks for the first week of recovery.

Most hernia surgeries allow patients to go home within hours. Recovery time after meshless hernia surgery is slightly longer than after mesh-based procedures. However, patients can usually resume work within two weeks after either type of surgery. Individuals with jobs that require heavy lifting or strenuous activity may need to take up to four to six weeks off.

You are likely to feel some pain and tightness near your hernia mesh site and minor swelling in the first few days. These symptoms should gradually fade over the first few weeks of recovery. 

Following your doctor’s instructions after hernia mesh surgery gives you a straightforward path to a safe and speedy recovery.

Recovery time after hernia surgery varies with hernia size, surgery type, age and overall health, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Open surgery usually takes longer. Pain is common but should diminish with time. Consult your doctor or other health care provider for recovery guidance specific to your case and seek medical attention if pain persists or new symptoms arise.

Doctors may prescribe opioids or similarly strong pain medications (morphine, oxycodone or Percocet) for people who experience high levels of pain after surgery. However, over-the-counter medicines such as Tylenol and ibuprofen are usually adequate.

Several factors affect how quickly and how well you recover from hernia surgery, especially your overall health. How healthy were you before surgery? The stronger your core muscles and the more comfortable you are with exercise will make for a faster return to normal activities.

The type of hernia and hernia surgery also affects recovery. If you went through an inguinal hernia surgery, you could recover more quickly than a person with an umbilical hernia.

Self-care at home after hernia surgery includes moderate exercise, healthy eating and caring for your incision. Be sure to follow all your doctor’s instructions for a quick recovery.

It is important to avoid lifting heavy objects or exercising vigorously immediately after surgery. Be aware that hernia mesh surgery can affect your sexual activity.

Incision Care

After surgery, caring for your incision is very important. Keep the area around the incision site clean. If you don’t clean the area properly, bacteria could build up and cause infection.

Use a sterile bandage or gauze to cover the incision site to keep it dry and prevent further bleeding. Don’t leave the same bandage on for longer than 24 hours.

Wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water daily. Be careful not to scrub at the incision site. Pat it dry, and don’t use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as that could slow down healing.

Physical Activity Guidelines

Your doctor will prescribe exercises to strengthen the abdominal wall and surrounding muscles once the initial recovery period from surgery is over. In addition, you’ll be provided recommended stretching exercises to prevent scarring and adhesions.

Stretching exercises can help you regain your core range of motion and increase flexibility.

Sleep is also essential to your recovery. Be sure to get eight hours of sleep each night.

Diet

A high-fiber diet promotes healing. That means bran cereal, oatmeal or fruit for breakfast and a combination of fiber (dense bread, sweet potatoes) and lean protein for other meals. You might need fiber supplements to help prevent constipation.

Foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, iron and vitamin B are also beneficial.

Medications

You may receive prescriptions for different medications following hernia mesh surgery. Pain pills are often prescribed.

Contact your doctor immediately if you develop fever, chills or severe abdominal pain. Ask questions of your health care team if something doesn’t seem right.

Other Tips

Relaxation techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress during your recovery. Any activity that you enjoy is helpful. Listen to music, podcasts or books, read, walk or meditate. 

Hold a pillow over your stomach when you cough, laugh or take deep breaths to protect your incision.

Discomfort after any surgery is to be expected. Ongoing pain is not. It’s possible that you could have serious hernia mesh complications after your surgery.

One of the most serious complications of hernia mesh surgery is rejection. If your body rejects your new mesh implant, you may develop an ongoing fever, pain, inflammation, swelling and vomiting. Any signs that indicate you have a hernia mesh failure may lead to another hernia operation.

Recurrence was the most common complication before the invention of hernia mesh. Research is mixed on how long a mesh hernia repair will last. A 2022 study followed 100 patients for ten years after a ventral abdominal hernia repair.

No recurrence was recorded after three years, while about 10% had a recurrence after roughly eight years. Two patients had a central breakdown of the mesh at about seven years. Mesh had stretched across the defect by an average of 21%. Mechanical testing showed that the mesh lost its elasticity at low forces.

Constipation is a common complication and can be a side effect of painkillers and post-surgery inactivity. You may not have regular bowel movements for up to five days after surgery. To help avoid constipation, consume high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains and drink lots of water.

Bowel obstructions can lead to serious issues. Let your health care team know about any bowel issues you may be experiencing.

Your health care team will likely communicate with you the day after surgery, especially if you received a prescription pain medication.

Ask your doctor or nurse any hernia mesh questions you have during your recovery. You will likely have a follow-up appointment with the surgeon. That visit will be a week or two after your procedure.

If you run a fever, feel extraordinarily bloated, or have pain in the surgery area, contact your doctor immediately.