Hernia surgery addresses a bulge formed by an internal organ pushing through a weakened muscle or tissue. A frequent concern for individuals undergoing this operation is understanding when they can safely return to daily activities, particularly walking. While mobility is often encouraged to aid recovery, it is important to proceed under the guidance of medical professionals.
Immediate Post-Surgery Mobility
Patients are generally encouraged to begin gentle movement soon after hernia surgery, often within hours or on the first day. This early, cautious activity is beneficial for several reasons. Walking helps to stimulate blood circulation, which reduces the risk of blood clots. It also aids in preventing muscle weakness and can help alleviate gas pain and constipation, common issues after surgery.
Discomfort levels may vary between open and laparoscopic surgery due to incision type, but the recommendation for early, gentle movement applies to both. Laparoscopic surgery, being minimally invasive, often leads to reduced recovery times and less initial pain. Regardless of technique, the objective is to promote healing and minimize stiffness.
Gradual Resumption of Walking
Beyond the immediate post-operative period, the progression of walking involves a gradual increase in duration and distance over days and weeks. Patients should aim to walk a little more each day than they did the day before, steadily increasing their activity. This progression might start with short walks around the house and slowly extend to longer strolls outdoors.
Listening to one’s body is important, and individuals should avoid pushing through pain. While gentle walking is unlikely to affect surgical stitches or mesh, increasing activity should be gradual. Full return to pre-surgery walking routines takes several weeks, with general guidelines suggesting a return to normal activities around four to six weeks post-procedure, depending on individual recovery and the type of surgery.
Important Precautions and Warning Signs
After hernia surgery, certain activities should be avoided to prevent strain on the healing surgical site. Patients should not engage in heavy lifting, strenuous exercises, or twisting or sudden motions. Avoiding these activities is essential to prevent complications, including the recurrence of the hernia.
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if certain warning signs appear:
Increasing pain that is not controlled by medication
Fever
Chills
Unusual discharge from the incision site
Increased redness, warmth, or swelling at the incision
Persistent nausea or vomiting
Difficulty breathing
Signs of a blood clot such as pain, redness, or swelling in the leg
Following the surgeon’s post-operative instructions remains important throughout the recovery process.