What to Expect After Umbilical/Ventral Hernia Surgery

General symptoms pertaining to both laparoscopic and open repair:

• Pain, numbness, mild swelling, and mild redness along the incision

• Minor bruising

• Subtle ridge of tissue just deep to the incision

• Most of the above should settle with time; raise them with your surgeon at the time of your postoperative clinic visit

Pain:

• It is normal to experience pain up to 4-6 weeks after surgery; and some degree of discomfort may continue beyond this time period and for several months more. These symptoms and others can be reviewed at the time of the postoperative clinic visit, usually at the 4-6 week mark from surgery.

Wound care:

• If you have staples, these will be removed by your GP or at our GDC area in 7-10 days.

• If glue is used this will peel off on its own in about 7-10 days. No other care is required.

• In both cases you can shower on the same day; try to protect the incision from excessive water/pressure

When to refer to the emergency department:

• Chest pain/shortness of breath

• Fever in the first few days post-op

• Worsening pain despite taking pain medications

• Bleeding from the incision

Please call our clinic any time with any questions or concerns.