No, having a hernia surgery usually requires medical anesthesia, so you would not be awake during the procedure. The anesthesia may be general, regional, or local depending on the type of hernia surgery being performed.
General anesthesia affects your entire body and is used for more major hernia surgeries. It is typically administered intravenously or through an inhalation device and will generally put you to sleep for the entire procedure.
Regional anesthesia is administered through an injection in your spine and numbs a larger area than local anesthesia. This type of anesthesia is used for repairs of more complex hernias, such as direct inguinal hernias, that involve larger areas.
Local anesthesia is the least invasive type of anesthesia and involves receiving injections of lidocaine at the site of your hernia. This is administered for smaller hernias, such as indirect inguinal hernias, and may require additional forms of sedation such as intravenous sedation.
This type of anesthesia still allows you to be awake during the hernia surgery.
Overall, whether you are awake or not depends on the type of hernia surgery being performed and the method of anesthesia used.
How painful is hernia surgery?
The pain associated with hernia surgery varies from person to person and depends on the type of surgery being conducted. Generally speaking, hernia surgery is considered to be a minimally invasive procedure.
This means that it generally causes minimal discomfort for the patient. In some cases, general or local anesthesia will be given during the procedure. This can help to reduce any potential pain.
The most commonly reported pain from hernia surgery is a dull ache or burning sensation located at the surgical site. This generally resolves within a few days to a week following the procedure. Pain medications are also prescribed to manage any post-operative pain.
Because hernia surgery involves cutting the skin, there is also a small risk of infection. If any symptoms of infection occur, it’s important to notify your doctor immediately and closely follow their instructions.
Overall, hernia surgery is relatively low-risk and typically doesn’t cause severe pain. However, every individual reacts differently to surgery, so it’s best to speak with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
Is hernia surgery a major surgery?
Yes, hernia surgery is classified as a major surgery. The surgery usually requires general anesthesia and will involve some incisions in which mesh may be inserted to help keep the hernia in place. It requires a few days of recovery to ensure you stay comfortable and healing correctly after the surgery.
Additionally, your doctor will likely provide instructions on activities to avoid while you heal. Depending on the type of hernia that needs to be repaired, the surgery can be minimally invasive and may even be laparoscopic, meaning small incisions will be made and the surgical procedure can be performed through these incisions, rather than a larger one.
Recovery times can vary significantly depending on the type of hernia and the amount of tissue that needs to be repaired.
Why does hernia surgery hurt so much?
Hernia surgery can be painful because it involves making incisions in the abdomen and then manipulating the affected muscles, fascia, and fatty tissue. Depending on the type and size of the hernia, the surgery can range from minor to major.
During the procedure, the surgeon may have to use sutures, thin needles, or other instruments to correct the hernia. After the surgery, pain is common from the various incisions used in the procedure and due to swelling of the affected area.
Additionally, while some use general anesthetic during the procedure, some hernia operations are done under local anesthetic. If local anesthetic is used, it can be quite painful as the area is numbed before the surgery.
In the days and weeks following the surgery, some people experience pain, soreness, bruising, and swelling as the area heals. Choosing the right hernia surgeon and monitoring the healing process can help to minimize the pain both during and after the procedure.
How long does a hernia operation take?
The duration of the hernia operation will depend on the particular type of hernia and the treatment options chosen. Generally, the surgery can take from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of the hernia and the recommended approach.
Open hernia surgery (which involves making a larger incision in the patient’s abdomen) may take up to two hours, while laparoscopic and robotic surgeries (which involve inserting a camera and surgical instruments through small abdominal incisions) can take 30 minutes to one hour.
During the operation, the hernia is repaired or the weakened tissue is reinforced. Depending on the specific procedure and other factors, the duration of the post-operative recovery period may range from a few days to three weeks.
How do you deal with hernia surgery pain?
Dealing with pain following hernia surgery can be difficult, but there are many ways to manage the discomfort. Immediately after surgery, it is beneficial to apply a cold or ice pack to the area to reduce soreness and decrease swelling.
This can be done at home or the hospital; the important thing to keep in mind is to use the cold or ice pack no longer than 1500 minutes at any given time. Additionally, it can be beneficial to take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with discomfort.
Prescription pain medications may also be prescribed by a doctor in more severe cases.
Additionally, practicing breathing exercises may also help with reducing pain and can be done while laying or sitting down. This method is thought to reduce pain by providing a distraction and helping to improve overall posture.
Additionally, by laying down, you can help relax the abdominal muscles to reduce soreness and pain. Doing light exercises such as walking or stretching may also help reduce pain, promote blood flow, and reduce overall stress.
Lastly, it is important to maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated and get proper rest. Eating highly nutritious foods can help reduce healing time and give the body the nutrients it needs in order to help repair itself.
Staying hydrated helps to flush out toxins from the body, providing a healthier environment for the healing process. And getting plenty of rest allows the body to heal, ultimately reducing one’s recovery time.
By following these tips, one can help reduce the pain associated with hernia surgery and improve comfort throughout the healing process.
How long do you have to rest after hernia surgery?
The amount of time you need to rest after hernia surgery depends on the type of surgery you had and the extent of the procedure. Generally, for the first 24-48 hours after surgery you should refrain from any strenuous activity and rest as much as possible.
After this initial period, some light activity is usually recommended to help facilitate healing and reduce the risk of complications. It is important to follow your surgeon’s advice regarding activity levels following the procedure, as they will be best placed to provide personalized advice based on your individual situation.
In general, however, you should generally avoid strenuous activities for at least four weeks after hernia surgery. You should also avoid lifting anything heavy (more than 10-15 pounds) for at least two weeks.
Exercise can generally be resumed after about four weeks, although it is recommended to start slowly and scale back things such as running or weight-training. During this period, you will need to pay close attention to your body and take regular breaks.
It is important to not overexert yourself, as this can slow the healing process and increase the risk of complications. In addition, it is important to practice good hygiene procedures, including washing your hands regularly, to reduce the risk of infection.
Do you get put to sleep for hernia surgery?
It depends on the type of hernia surgery and the preference of the patient and their doctor. Some hernia surgeries can be done using a local anesthetic, especially if it is a minor or routine hernia procedure.
This means that you would remain awake during the procedure, but the area surrounding the hernia would be numbed with the anesthetic so that you would not experience any pain or discomfort. However, if the hernia is more complex or if it is necessary for the doctor to move other organs during the surgery, then a general anesthetic may be preferred.
This means that you would be put to sleep for the duration of the surgery. Ultimately the decision of whether or not to use a general anesthetic for a hernia surgery lies between the patient and their doctor and would depend on the type of hernia being treated.
Is a hernia operation a serious operation?
Yes, a hernia operation is a serious operation. As with any major surgery, hernia operations can come with risks and complications, so it is important to be well-informed before deciding to have the surgery.
Generally, the operation involves making a small incision in the abdominal wall to reach the hernia, then pushing the protruding contents back into their normal position. This is followed by suturing the hernia opening and possibly reinforcing the area with additional material.
After the operation, patients experience soreness and discomfort in the area of the incision and may need to rest for several days. Complications can include infection and difficulty healing. There is also a risk of recurrence in some cases.
For these reasons, it is important to consult with a medical professional before making any decisions regarding a hernia operation.