Yes, most hernia surgeries involve general anesthesia, which means you are asleep during the procedure. During general anesthesia, you will not be able to feel any pain and all of your vital signs, such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate, will be closely monitored by medical personnel.
Depending on the type of hernia repair you are having, recovery time may vary, but most people can usually return home the same day as surgery. However, if any complications arise, such as infection, then your recovery time may increase.
It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions and any other post-operative instructions on how to best care and recover from the surgery.
Table of Contents
Can hernia surgery be done with local anesthesia?
Yes, hernia surgery is often done using local anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the area around the surgery so the patient doesn’t feel pain. The anesthesia can either be injected directly into the area or given through a nerve block.
During a nerve block, the local anesthetic is injected near the nerves that supply sensation to the area. The surgeon may also use general anesthesia for more extensive surgeries. General anesthesia is a form of medication that puts a patient into a sleep-like state, allowing them to be unaware of any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
While both forms of anesthesia provide a safe and effective way to reduce pain and discomfort during hernia surgery, local anesthesia is often the preferred choice because it is often safer and patients are generally able to go home soon after surgery.
Does hernia surgery require a breathing tube?
The answer to this question depends on the type of hernia surgery being performed. Most hernia surgeries can be done with a local or general anesthetic, which does not require the use of a breathing tube.
However, some complex hernia surgeries, such as those involving danger of intestinal obstruction or strangulation, may require the patient to be placed on a ventilator during or after the surgery. In these cases, a breathing tube may be required to provide air to the patient.
Your doctor or surgeon will be able to provide more information about whether a breathing tube is necessary for your specific procedure.
How long are you laid up with hernia surgery?
The length of time that you may be laid up after hernia surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery that you had, as well as your overall health. For most people, it can be as quick as a day or two before they’re able to move around and start doing light activity, with full recovery and activity allowed in a few weeks.
In some cases, especially if you have an inguinal hernia, your surgeon may advise that you take up to a month off of activity before gradually increasing activity over the following weeks. Your surgeon will be able to provide the best estimate of the amount of recovery time you should expect to take based on your specific situation.
How painful is hernia surgery?
Hernia surgery can be fairly painful depending on the type of procedure you are having done and your individual pain tolerance. Generally, the most common hernia surgeries involve making an incision in your belly, pushing the protruding tissue back inside, and then stitching the muscles and tissue together.
The level of pain can vary depending on the size and location of the hernia. Most people experience moderate to severe pain in the effected area during and after the procedure. This is usually managed with pain medications available through your doctor.
However, if you are particularly worried about the pain associated with hernia surgery, there are minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic hernia surgery and robotic surgery which may reduce the level of post-operative pain.
Is hernia surgery a major surgery?
Yes, hernia surgery is a major surgery and should be taken seriously. It typically requires general anesthesia and carries potential risks associated with any type of surgery. Depending on the type of hernia and your individual situation, the procedure can range from minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery to open surgery with a larger incision.
The risks include excessive bleeding, infection, and inflammation. Furthermore, there may be complications, such as adhesions, intestinal obstruction, organ perforation, or damage to local structures.
Therefore, it is important for patients to discuss the procedure with their doctor to ensure that the benefits of surgery outweigh the risks. The doctor can provide an individualized assessment with recommendations for safe and effective treatment.
Is hernia surgery very painful?
That depends on the individual and how their body responds to the surgery, as everyone is different. Generally, surgical hernia repair is not overly painful compared to other types of surgeries. However, there will be some discomfort and soreness following the procedure.
Pain medication can be prescribed to help alleviate the pain and discomfort from the surgery. Additionally, gentle physical activities, such as walking, may help with the healing process and with reducing pain levels.
As always, it is important to follow your post-operative instructions and, if pain persists after a few days, contact your doctor to make sure everything is healing properly.
What is the anesthesia for hernia surgery?
The anesthesia used for hernia surgery depends on the specifics of the procedure. Generally, general anesthesia is used because the procedure requires that a patient be unconscious and not feel any pain.
During the procedure, the patient will be given medications through an IV line to help them relax and prevent pain. Local anesthesia may also be used in some cases, particularly if the hernia surgery is done with minimally invasive techniques.
Local anesthesia numbs the specific area of the body, so the patient will not experience any pain during the procedure.
Why does hernia surgery hurt so much?
Hernia surgery can be a painful experience for many people. The exact amount of pain experienced can vary from person to person, but it’s usually associated with significant discomfort. The pain is caused by multiple factors, including the cutting of skin to access the hernia, the stretching of the surrounding muscles, the manipulation of the organs, as well as the anesthetic.
Additionally, hernias are usually situated in sensitive areas like the groin, abdomen, and chest, making the surgery even more uncomfortable.
The recovery from hernia surgery can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the hernia and the surgical techniques used. During this period, the patient should expect pain or at least general discomfort in the area of the hernia.
This may include itching, burning, or sharp pains. Painkillers can be taken to reduce discomfort and expedite the healing process.
In some cases, the pain can be severe and require hospitalization. It is important to be monitored professionally during the recovery period and to speak to a doctor if the pain is beyond what is expected.
In conclusion, hernia surgery can cause quite a bit of pain, but proper care and patience can help patients recover quickly.
