How long do you have pain? | Pain after an umbilical hernia operation

How long do you have pain?

Pain caused by surgery is usually strongest in the evening or on the day after surgery. It lasts for about one day and then slowly subsides, so that by the fifth postoperative day at the latest, there should be no more pain at rest. However, movement or vibration of the surgical site (coughing, laughing, sneezing, rapid movements, lifting heavy loads) can also cause short-term pain for a much longer time and should therefore be avoided if possible. If pain persists or worsens, the wound should be clarified by a doctor to rule out or treat inflammation.

Differences in pain: with or without net

Pain after an umbilical hernia operation depends only very little on the choice of the procedure. In contrast to a pure suturing technique, a mesh inlay can cause additional, slight pain at the attachments of the mesh. However, the main pain is caused by the preparation of the surgical site, i.e. the incision, which is present in both techniques.

Depending on the height at which the mesh is inserted, a foreign body sensation may occur, which usually disappears after some time. In addition, there is a slightly increased risk of infection caused by a foreign body. In rare cases, allergies or intolerances may occur, which may make a new operation with removal of the mesh necessary.

Pain in the upper abdomen

After an umbilical hernia operation, pain occurs mainly around the navel and around the suture points. The pain may radiate into the upper abdomen. In a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) operation, it is possible that one of the surgical throcars is inserted in the upper abdomen and therefore pain may occur postoperatively.

A mesh inlay can also be the cause of pain. Since the mesh is significantly larger than the navel, irritation may occur at one of the attachment points in the upper abdomen. If a therapy with NSARs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) has been performed, this may also be the reason. NSAIDs cause increased acid production in the stomach, which can lead to pain in the upper abdomen.