What to expect after Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery?

Laparoscopic hernia surgery is an advanced, minimally invasive technique with a much higher success rate than open surgery.

There are several treatment options for hernia, but if you want an effective procedure that guarantees a quick recovery with no complications, Dr Purnendu Bhowmik, a hernia specialist in Kolkata, recommends laparoscopic surgery.

 

If you’ve been advised to undergo laparoscopic hernia repair, you may have concerns about your post-surgery condition.

Hence, in this blog, Dr Purnendu Bhowmik will explain everything you need to know about what happens following laparoscopic hernia surgery.

Post-Surgery Pain and Discomfort

When you awaken from anaesthesia in the recovery room, you may experience some discomfort. It is essential to ensure that pain is appropriately managed. Your healthcare professional will recommend pain medications.

Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions when taking medication.

Physical Activity

There are no established guidelines for post-laparoscopic activity. However, make sure that you go easy after surgery until your wounds heal completely. 

Doctors typically advise patients to abstain from driving for two weeks. Therefore, you should arrange for someone who would be able to drive you home after your surgery. Swimming and bathing are prohibited as well.

Limited Sexual Activity

According to the hernia specialist in Kolkata, you should avoid intercourse for about two weeks after hernia repair.

The duration may vary depending on the extent of the procedure. 

Following surgery, the scrotum of male patients may be discoloured, tender, or noticeably swollen. 

Within a week or two, the swelling should subside, and the patient can resume normal activities and sexual intercourse. Sexual activity before complete healing can cause complications.

Discomfort / bloating in the abdomen

Following laparoscopic hernia repair, abdominal pain and swelling are to be expected. This is a symptom of intestinal distension that resolves with time. Gas pains in the abdomen are caused by gas trapped outside the intestines but still within the abdominal cavity.

Nausea

It is a very common laparoscopic side effect. The primary cause of nausea following hernia surgery is anaesthesia. Additionally, nausea can be caused by pain medication or antibiotics during the first 24 hours following surgery. 

Consult your doctor if the problem persists for more than three days after laparoscopic hernia surgery in Kolkata.

Shoulder pain

The carbon dioxide gas used to enlarge the abdomen during laparoscopy has the potential to irritate the phrenic nerve. This is due to the diaphragm being clogged with trapped carbon dioxide gas. 

This irritation manifests as chest and shoulder pain and discomfort, a condition known as “referred pain.” Discomfort may occur when deep breaths are taken. 

This type of pain can last several days following hernia surgery. It will resolve on its own eventually, but walking and moving around can help. 

Massage, cold/heat packs, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or paracetamol) are the most effective ways to get relief.

Proper wound care

It is essential to keep wounds clean and dry. No special creams or ointments are required. The incisions are closed with a suture that dissolves naturally beneath the skin. 

Sutures are covered with “derma-bond” surgical glue. This conceals the incision and should last at least two weeks. Only when your hernia doctor in Kolkata permits, remove the glue with soap and water and gentle scrubbing.

Take care when showering

Doctors recommend showering 36 hours following surgery. Before showering, you should remove any bandages from the incisions. 

Additionally, avoid itching and using any harsh soaps near the incision site, as these can result in suture rupturing and inflammation.

It is not uncommon to notice small pieces of tape (dubbed steri-strips) adhered directly to the skin. While showering, it is okay if you get these tapes wet. 

Seven to ten days after surgery, the tapes will peel away from the ends. At this point, they have served their purpose, and you may gently peel them off completely. 

It is typical for a few days following hernia correction surgery to experience some discomfort and pain. These typically resolve on their own and are not cause for alarm. 
However, contact a hernia specialist in Kolkata if your discomfort becomes severe or you notice any postoperative complications such as inflammation, skin reddening, or bleeding.