Hernia refers to an organ or tissue that pushes through weakened muscles. They mainly develop in your abdomen or groin area. Hernia surgery in Navi Mumbai is often necessary when the hernia becomes larger and more painful. The procedure pushes the hernia back to its original position and repairs the weak muscles.
A common question is, Is a hernia operation dangerous? The surgery is safe when it’s elective and performed by an experienced surgeon. That said, like other invasive treatments, hernia surgery has its share of risks you should know before proceeding.
Common Risks
Surgery, in general, carries certain risks, such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, and dangerous reactions to anesthesia. Damage to the surrounding organs, tissues, and nerves is rare, but it is a possible complication of hernia repair. Besides, a hernia can cause serious complications if it gets strangulated (the blood supply cuts off).
Here are a few other common risks associated with hernia surgery:
- Mesh infection
- Urinary retention
- Hematoma formation
- Recurrence risk
The likelihood of complications is significantly reduced with modern surgical approaches, such as laparoscopic or robot-assisted hernia repair.
Factors Affecting the Risks
Here’s what places you at a higher risk of post-surgical complications:
- Existing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure
- Incisional and larger hernia
- Emergency procedure, especially for a strangulated hernia
- Traditional surgery
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Sedentary lifestyle
A qualified and experienced hernia doctor in Navi Mumbai can conduct the surgery efficiently, minimizing your risks of complications during and after the operation.
Post-Operative Care
The safety of hernia repair also depends on post-operative care. You can expect improvement within one week after surgery.
Start walking and resume light activities only if you are cleared for them. Most people resume their normal activities, including work, in 4-6 weeks after surgery.
Here are some post-operative care tips that can help with recovery:
1. Wound Care
Wash the incision site regularly and keep the area dry. Shower only if your doctor allows it. Avoid swimming until the incision site has healed completely. Always monitor the area for warning signs of infection, like pus, redness, swelling, and warmth.
2. Medication
You need painkillers for the first few days, along with antibiotics, to prevent the risk of infection. Complete the entire course. You can also request stool softeners to prevent straining during bowel movements.
3. Activities
You will be advised to walk shortly after surgery and continue walking a few steps every day to prevent constipation and blood clots. Avoid activities that put pressure on the surgical site, such as bending, heavy lifting, or straining.
5. Diet
Follow your surgeon’s advice for your dietary choices. It’s best to start with liquids and gradually transition to soft solids. An ideal diet after hernia repair includes fiber-rich and easy-to-digest foods. Stay hydrated.
Hernia can cause immense pain, especially during movement, making a surgical repair a necessity. Simple reflexes, such as coughing, sneezing, and laughing, can exacerbate pain. Surgery is the only viable treatment to get rid of hernia pain and prevent its recurrence. The above post-operative care tips can make your recovery from hernia repair a breeze.
