What will happen to the patient day by day after surgery to fix an inguinal hernia?

On the first day after inguinal hernia surgery, patients may experience mild groin pain, swelling, or tightness. Mobilization begins early, and most can walk within hours. Pain medication is provided to ensure comfort.

During the first week, gradual recovery continues with light activities allowed. Bruising or minor wound sensitivity is common, but symptoms steadily improve. Heavy lifting and sports remain restricted.

By the second to third week, most patients return to work and daily routines. Physical exercise is resumed cautiously, with progressive increase in intensity under medical guidance.

Full recovery is generally achieved within four to six weeks. At this stage, the abdominal wall regains strength, and patients typically report significant relief from preoperative symptoms with minimal recurrence risk.

What to Expect on the Day of Inguinal Hernia Surgery?

On the day of inguinal hernia surgery, there are certain steps and preparations that the patient should pay attention to. From the moment of arrival at the hospital, a structured plan is followed. The process includes completing preoperative preparations, meeting the surgical team, and determining the appropriate type of anesthesia. Measures are also taken for pain and discomfort that may occur during and after surgery.

What to do before surgery:

• Admission procedures
• Meeting with the surgical team
• IV line placement
• Wearing a hospital gown
• Types of anesthesia:
  • Local anesthesia with sedation
  • General anesthesia

Although the duration of the surgery is usually about an hour, it may be longer depending on the condition of the hernia and the patient’s needs. After surgery, the patient is monitored in the recovery room. In the first few hours, due to the effect of local anesthesia, pain is minimal, but this may change as the day progresses.

Mild pain or discomfort in the surgical area is normal during the first 24 hours. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen is recommended for pain control during this period. Swelling and pain can also be reduced by applying ice. Having someone at home with the patient after surgery is important for preventing complications. Especially on the first day after surgery, strenuous activities should be avoided and rest is advised.

How Will You Feel in the First 2 Days After Surgery?

It is quite common for the patient to experience pain and discomfort during the first two days after surgery. Controlling pain in this period is important for a smoother recovery. Doctors usually prescribe different types of painkillers for this purpose. For severe pain, opioid painkillers may be recommended, while for milder discomfort, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are preferred.

Common complaints include:

• Pain in the surgical area
• Swelling
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sore throat

These symptoms are mostly due to anesthesia and the surgery itself and usually subside quickly. Using painkillers regularly is important for keeping pain manageable. Although the pain may not completely disappear, it should be controlled so as not to limit mobility.

Starting short walks during this period is recommended to support circulation and prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Staying immobile in bed for long periods can slow down the recovery process. Heavy lifting, sudden movements, and excessive effort should be avoided.

Proper care and cleanliness of the surgical site are also essential. Keeping the incision clean and dry is critical to preventing infection. Bandages should be changed regularly, and signs of possible infection should be monitored. If there is increasing redness, swelling, or fever, a healthcare professional should be consulted immediately. Rest, healthy nutrition, and light activities help accelerate recovery.

What Changes Can You Expect in Your Recovery by the End of the First Week?

By the end of the first week, a patient who has had inguinal hernia surgery will experience significant improvements in the recovery process. Pain usually begins to subside, and light physical activities become easier. However, there are a few important factors to be aware of. Proper steps regarding wound care, physical activity, and returning to work can accelerate recovery.

Pain management suggestions:

• Ibuprofen
• Acetaminophen
• Ice application

Physical activities:

• Walking
• Light stretching exercises
• Range of motion exercises (as recommended by your doctor)

Wound care:

• Keep the surgical area clean and dry
• Check for signs of redness, swelling, or discharge

Returning to work:

• Start with jobs that are not physically demanding
• Desk jobs
• Jobs requiring light physical effort

By the end of the first week, the patient generally feels more comfortable regarding pain and movement limitations. However, in order for full recovery, it is still necessary to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercises. Balancing wound care and physical activity helps reduce infection risk and speeds up recovery. When deciding to return to work, it is essential to consult the doctor and create a plan in line with the progress of healing.

What to Expect During the Second and Third Weeks of Recovery?

In the second and third weeks after inguinal hernia surgery, some important improvements are expected. Recovery accelerates during this period, and the patient can return to light activities. However, there are still important points to consider. It is recommended to gradually return to daily life without straining the body during these weeks.

• Light walks
• Yoga
• Light cycling

These activities are beneficial for reducing muscle stiffness, increasing blood circulation, and accelerating recovery. Especially walking is recommended to reduce the risk of blood clot formation after surgery. Careful wound care should also be continued. Steri-Strips or stitches may still be in place, so it is important to gently clean and keep the area dry.

• Gently washing the wound
• Allowing Steri-Strips to fall off naturally
• Avoid soaking the wound until it is fully healed

Showers can be taken during this period, but bathing should be avoided until the wound is completely healed. Also, if the patient is not using narcotic painkillers and feels comfortable, driving may be resumed—this is generally possible after 2–3 weeks. However, driving without the doctor’s approval can be risky.

• Not using narcotic painkillers
• Feeling comfortable
• Being able to safely control the vehicle

For patients wishing to resume sexual activity, it is generally advisable to wait two weeks. Always seek your doctor’s advice and consider your body’s recovery process.

Dr. Ahmet Bekin

Op. Dr. Ahmet Bekin was born in Istanbul in 1983. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at Kocaeli University in 2006 and completed his specialty training in the Department of General Surgery at Istanbul University Çapa Faculty of Medicine in 2011. After his specialization, he worked in the fields of hernia surgery, reflux surgery, obesity surgery, advanced laparoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery. In addition, he received training in endocrine surgery, oncological surgery, and minimally invasive surgery. He is currently accepting patients from Turkey as well as from countries such as Germany and France at his private clinic located in Istanbul.