What to Expect After Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

The contents of your hernia could get trapped, cutting the blood supply off from the surrounding structures, including critical organs. Left unchecked, the hernia can lead to serious complications and even death. 

Fortunately, you have options for addressing a hernia and protecting your overall health. Dr. Elvira Klause offers hernia repair in Laguna Hills, California, and the surrounding area. She repairs the break in the tissue to keep your muscles where they should be. 

More good news: Dr. Klause specializes in laparoscopic surgery. This way, she can repair your hernia using keyhole incisions, performing your procedure guided by a specialized tiny camera. This makes the surgery less invasive, supporting faster recovery with fewer complications.

However, you should still be ready for a recovery period. We have some guidance to help you know what to expect.  

The first few days

You should leave your surgery fairly comfortable, but your pain levels may increase as any local anesthetic wears off. Discomfort is usually at its worst 24 hours after surgery, after which it should improve. Dr. Klause and our team give you medication to manage your pain in the first few days. 

Usually, Dr. Klause covers the area with surgical glue to close any incisions and if the wound isn’t draining, you can shower right away. If you have steri-strips or staples, wait a few days before taking your first shower. 

After general anesthesia, you might feel nauseous. This sensation can last a few days and might cause vomiting. To minimize the effects, start with a clear liquid diet and gradually ease into solid foods. 

If you vomit, make sure to drink enough liquids to replenish your system and avoid dehydration. 

In addition to pain medication, our team may suggest using a stool softener in the first few days. 

The first week

With laparoscopic hernia repair, you should be able to return to your usual activities as soon as you feel up to it. Don’t push through any pain, though. Wait until the activity doesn’t cause any discomfort. 

We'll schedule a follow-up about a week after your surgery. This allows our team to ensure your recovery is going according to plan. 

The one-week mark is when most people return to work, especially if you have a desk job. You should also be able to drive at this point, provided you’re no longer taking any narcotic pain medication. 

Your skin glue should fall off. If it’s still there in three weeks, you can remove it yourself. 

Some bruising and swelling is normal, but it will improve with time. 

After the first week, you should be almost fully recovered from your laparoscopic hernia repair. You might feel a thick ridge of tissue around the incision site or have some swelling, but that should resolve within a few months. 

To learn more about recovering from this type of surgery — or to schedule your hernia repair — call our office at 949-245-6910 or connect with us online today.