Following open hernia operations recovery is likely to be a couple of weeks longer. Some patients can experience bruising. This occurs in perhaps 5-10% of patients but resolves on its own.

You should expect to mobilise immediately with a view to returning to work seven days or so after the operation.

Q: How long will surgery take?
A: Generally, surgery takes 60 minutes. However, you will need to add at least another 30 minutes for the effects of the general anaesthetic to wear off. 

Q: What types of anaesthetic are there?
A: Your consultant surgeon and consultant anaesthetist will advise you on the best anaesthetic for you based on your health, surgical method and where your hernia is. 

Q: How much pain will I be in?
A: Pain is usually less for laparoscopic surgery than with open surgery, but you will still feel some discomfort once the anaesthetic wears off. Everyone feels pain differently, but you will be provided with appropriate pain killers to help you manage afterwards. 

Q: How long will I be in hospital?
A: Your surgery will usually be done as a day case unless your consultant tells you otherwise. 

Q: How long will it take me to recover from open surgery?
A: You should expect to mobilise immediately after surgery, but it is usual to feel a bit of soreness and bruising around the incision sites. Bruising occurs in perhaps 5-10% of patients but resolves on its own. If you have had open surgery the recovery period will be slightly longer, but you should be able to perform light activities such as shopping, a return to desk-based work and you may be able to drive after one to two weeks. You may find coughing or sneezing causes pain around the wound site so try to use your hand to support the wound. Straining on the toilet can also cause pain so ensure you eat plenty of fibre and drink lots of water. Your consultant will be able to advise you when you can return to your usual activities. 

Q: How long will it take me to recover from laparoscopic hernia surgery?
A: If you have had keyhole surgery, you’re likely to recover quicker and experience less pain. Some people do get some shoulder tip pain which can be from the gas used during surgery, but as this gets absorbed the pain will diminish. You should expect to mobilise immediately with a view to returning to work seven days or so after the operation 

Q: When can I shower or bath?
A: You may bathe or shower as your wounds will be covered with small dressings (some are water resistant and the nursing staff at the hospital will be able to advise you on wound care before you leave hospital), but please avoid getting the wounds wet for approximately 48 hours after surgery. If you notice any signs of infections – high temperature, redness or swelling please contact Mr Boyle’s office of the hospital. 

Q: Will I have any scars?
A: You will have three to four small 0.5-1 cm small scars on your abdomen if you have had laparoscopic surgery and 6 cm scars on the side of your hernia if you have had open surgery.  

Q: Do I need a carer or companion with me for the first 24 hours?
A: It is traditional guidance and practice that following day case surgery patients should be discharged to be with a carer for 24 hours. 

See British Association of Day Case Surgery guidelines https://associationofanaesthetists-publications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/anae.14639

Q: When to seek medical attention?
A: You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Severe chest or leg pain 
• Fever over 38.6