Recovering from Open Hernia Repair: Patient Guide

• Your diet
• Activity guidelines
• Pain and discomfort
• Care of the incisions
• When to call the office

Recovery overview

You will go to the recovery room after your operation.  You will probably have minimal discomfort because the local anesthetic that was injected will make the area numb for 6 to 12 hours.  Following this initial period, you will notice pain and stiffness at the site of surgery. The more you walk the less stiffness and pain you will experience. It is not uncommon for you to have more discomfort on the second and third day after an open hernia repair than you did on the first.  This is because the local anesthetic has worn off.  By the sixth to seventh day, you should be ready for all of your normal activities.