Digestive Disorders Health Center

Recovery Issues for Open Hernia Repair

After surgery

People typically go home after 1 to 2 hours, when they can eat, drink, and walk around. People who have been hospitalized for surgery may need to stay longer so that they can be watched for complications.

Swelling over the incision is common after hernia surgery and does not mean that surgery was unsuccessful. Placing an ice pack on the incision during the first 24 hours helps reduce swelling. If the following warning signs occur, call your doctor.

• The incision is noticeably warm and red.
• A testicle is hard and swollen.
• There is persistent bleeding after 15 minutes of direct pressure over the incision.
• You have a fever higher than 101.5°F (38.6°C).

Resuming exercise

Resuming exercise depends on the type of hernia repair and how you feel.

You most likely can return to light activity after 3 weeks. Strenuous exercise should wait until after 6 weeks of recovery.

You should wait to drive a car for at least 2 weeks or until you have no pain in your groin.

Sexual intercourse can be resumed after 3 weeks. But don't do anything that causes you pain.

Returning to work

Some people may return to work in the first week after surgery. But it is best to wait 3 weeks before returning to light work. Work that requires heavy lifting or physical labor should be avoided for 6 weeks, to prevent the hernia from coming back.