Post Hernia Care/ Care after hernia Surgery ( Ventral Hernia)

Hernia surgery is a complex one.Short term and long term result of hernia surgery depends on many factors. we will write in this article about post hernia care.

Post hernia care is a continuation of preoperative care in some aspect and some are new care after surgery

Special Care before surgery:

A. Weight reduction: Obesity is one of the important factors which is a great challenge for the patient and for the surgeon. Obesity or over weight is the key factor for recurrence of hernia( appear after surgery) after surgery. We advice weight reduction those who are over weight or obese.

B. Chest care: Chronic cough, asthma, chest infection that need to take care before surgery and it should continue as after care. Chronic cough is one of the important factors for hernia recurrence.

C. Chronic constipation: Abdominal strain during stool passing that increase intra-abdominal pressure. Patient having chronic constipation he/she need some laxative to make stool soft.

D. diabetes control: Diabetes affects wound healing. Uncontrolled DM delay tissue healing and may cause wound complications like wound infection. So patient having diabetes need good glucose control before surgery.

Immediate care after hernia surgery( within 6-8 weeks after surgery)

a. Chest care( to prevent vigorous cough), bowel care( not to constipation) and diabetic control should continue immediate after surgery.

b. wound care/ Surgical site care: Wound infection invites mesh rejection after hernia surgery. Major wound infection may lead to mesh complications and hernia recurrence.

c. Early mobilization and do light work after hernia surgery is recommended. Early mobilization helps wound healing and improves general well being of patient, it also help weight reduction of patients

d. Avoid heavy weight lifting immediately after hernia surgery until wound heals adequately. It takes up to 8-12 weeks( in general) after major hernia surgery more on after open hernia surgery.

Long term care after hernia surgery

a. Weight control and diabetes control should continue for long term even for rest of the life is important for general well being and for hernia prevention.

b. Any abdominal surgery after ventral hernia repair need special care of the mesh.