Epigastric hernia repair — 2 weeks post-op

[aquanaught16]

Hi, I’m in the recovery phase of my epigastric hernia surgery, which was done 2 weeks ago in the centre of my abdomen. Ultrasound scans showed it was a small opening of 5mm, and the surgeon decided to stitch it closed with sutures, using traditional open surgery with a horizontal incision above my belly button.

2 weeks on, I feel much better, very little pain in the second week but occasional twinges of discomfort when I stretch in bed, bend over to tie my shoe laces or carrying shopping (no more than 10lbs, mind!). HOWEVER, I just pulled off some tight-fitting socks by leaning forward while standing up, rather than sitting on the bed and folding my legs to reach my feet without leaning so far forward. There was a brief moment of pain around the hernia as I extended my waist forward to its furthest point… I wonder, does this put me at risk of a recurrence?

Please, any advice would be very much appreciated.

[drtowfigh]

Epigastric hernia repair — 2 weeks post-op

Abdominal pressure can increase risk of hernia recurrence.

That said, risk of hernia recurrence after repair of a 5mm hernia without mesh is expected to be very low.

[pszotek]

Epigastric hernia repair — 2 weeks post-op

I usually tell my patients to minimize intra-abdominal pressure as much as possible for 2-4 weeks. Bending over can be particularly painful and difficult after umbilical hernia repair.

I would agree with Dr. Towfigh’s comments as well as its a low likelihood that it will recur.

[Author]

Posts