Had umbilical hernia surgery? Looking for post-op instructions?

Read to know the Do’s and Don’ts after umbilical hernia surgery.

An umbilical hernia is a condition in which the intestine protrudes or bulges through the abdominal muscles in & around the belly button. This type of hernias are most common in women during and after pregnancy, and in people who are overweight. If it is not treated, a hernia is likely to get larger and become more uncomfortable, hence surgery is recommended.

Hernia surgery is carried out in two methods that include a conventional open method and Laparoscopic hernia repair. During umbilical hernia surgery, the weakened portion from where the organ has protruded is put back and strengthened using surgical mesh.

However, many patients are likely to suffer pain and fatigue that might last for long after umbilical hernia surgery. Therefore, there are few things to do and avoid to speed up the process of post-surgery hernia recovery.

Dr Parameshwara, one of the best hernia treatment doctors in Bangalore outlined a list of do’s and don’ts to make your recovery as pain-free after umbilical hernia surgery.

You are recommended to follow the instructions listed below before you start your daily routine after hernia surgery.

• ● Engage in daily activities such as walking, ride as a passenger in a car and in other activities as tolerated.
• ● Avoid lifting heavy objects and strenuous exercise for 6 weeks.
• ● Avoid operating heavy machinery

Hernia repair surgery can affect your bowel movements. Therefore our experts of hernia treatment at SMILES suggest some instructions be followed after surgery to soften bowels.

• ● The first bowel movement can happen any time from 1 to 10 days after a hernia operation. So, constipation can occur post-operation and taking milk of magnesia (two tablespoons twice a day) can prevent this issue.
• ● Some patients may notice that they have diarrhoea or loose bowels for a few days after umbilical hernia repair surgery. This bowel function normalizes with time.

The following are some diet recommendations that you should consider after hernia repair surgery.

• ● You are free to consume a normal and regular diet from a day after the surgery.
• ● The combination of medicines and anesthesia can lead to constipation, so try eating bland foods items like plain rice, toast, and chicken.
• ● Eat smaller frequent meals than larger meals.
• ● It is important to stay hydrated and so drink plenty of water and fluids.

Here are a few things that you need to care before and after cleaning the wound near the operated area.

• ● Make sure that you wash your hands every time after medicating the wound.
• ● Don’t wet the incision until the stitches are completely healed.
• ● If the drainage from the incision becomes red and sore, consult the doctor immediately.
• ● Don’t wear tight clothes that rub and irritate the wound further.

Abdominal pain is very common for some days after the hernia operation. However, you can manage the pain by medications and nerve blocks. Some of them include:

• ● Doctors generally prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to treat mild pain or inflammation.
• ● While using NSAIDs, you may notice some side effects such as stomach upset, bleeding in the digestive tract, and difficulty to urinate.
• ● For severe pain, narcotics are recommended. Narcotics can also cause some other side effects that include sleep deprivation, low blood pressure, and low heart rate. There can also be incidences of skin rash, itching, and constipation.

If you have mild pain while moving after hernia repair surgery, then it is normal. But, book an appointment if you notice any of the following symptoms.

• ● Frequent fever or chills
• ● Persistent nausea, vomiting or bloating.
• ● Severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by medications
• ● Swelling or redness around the incision
• ● No bowel movement for more than 3 days and you are becoming uncomfortable
• ● A significant change in passing urine.
• ● Excess bleeding from the rectum or incision.

If you are struggling with severe pain after the umbilical hernia surgery then its is better to make an appointment with our top hernia treatment experts in Bangalore at SMILES.

Call us: +91 – 80 9900 8800