What to expect during a hernia surgery? Your guide to preparation and recovery

September 24, 2025 •

4 min read

With hundreds of thousands of procedures performed annually in the U.S. alone, hernia repair is a very common surgical procedure. Understanding what to expect during a hernia surgery is key to a successful outcome, helping to ease patient anxiety and ensure a smooth recovery.

Quick Summary

During hernia surgery, a surgeon repairs the weakened abdominal wall, often using a mesh, through either an open incision or minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopic or robotic surgery. The process includes pre-operative instructions, anesthesia, and post-operative care, with recovery times varying by the procedure and individual patient factors.

Key Points

Pre-Surgery Preparation: Follow all dietary and medication instructions, arrange for a ride home, and manage any health conditions like smoking or constipation to ensure optimal conditions for surgery.
Anesthesia Options: Understand whether you will have general anesthesia (for minimally invasive methods) or local/regional anesthesia (possible for open repairs) to know what to expect during the procedure.
Procedure Variations: The surgery type—open, laparoscopic, or robotic—determines incision size, technique, and recovery time, so clarify this with your surgeon beforehand.
Immediate Post-Op: Expect some pain, grogginess, and potential nausea. Mild movement like walking is encouraged early on, and pain will be managed with medication.
Activity and Recovery: Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Gradually increase activity as advised by your doctor, and listen to your body to prevent complications.
Potential Risks: Be aware of common risks like infection, bleeding, and the small chance of chronic pain or recurrence, and know when to contact your doctor with concerns.
Outpatient vs. Inpatient: Many hernia surgeries are outpatient, allowing you to go home the same day, though complex cases or co-existing health issues may require an overnight hospital stay.

Preparing for Your Surgery

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful surgery and recovery. Your medical team will provide specific instructions, but here are some common steps to expect in the weeks and days leading up to your procedure:

Review all instructions: Your doctor's office will provide detailed pre-operative guidelines. It is essential to read these carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Address health factors: If you smoke, your surgeon may recommend quitting, as smoking can increase the risk of recurrence and infection. Managing constipation is also important, as straining can affect the surgical area.
Adjust medications: Discuss all your medications and supplements with your doctor. You may be advised to stop taking blood thinners, certain supplements, or other drugs for a period before surgery.
Fast before surgery: You will be given a specific time to stop eating and drinking. Following this rule exactly is critical for your safety during anesthesia.
Arrange for transportation and support: Because of the effects of anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. It is also wise to have a support person stay with you for the first 24 hours to help with basic tasks.
Pack for the hospital: Though many hernia repairs are outpatient, it's a good idea to pack comfortable clothes, personal items, and any paperwork you need.

Understanding Your Anesthesia Options

Before your surgeon begins the repair, an anesthesiologist will administer medication to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free. The type of anesthesia used depends on the procedure and your overall health.

General Anesthesia: For laparoscopic or robotic hernia repair, general anesthesia is typically used. This means you will be completely asleep during the surgery and will not feel or remember anything.
Local or Regional Anesthesia: For some open hernia repairs, especially smaller ones, a local or regional anesthetic may be an option. This numbs the specific area being operated on, while a sedative helps you remain relaxed. You will be awake but will not feel pain at the surgical site.

During the Hernia Repair Procedure

The actual steps of the surgery will vary depending on the technique your surgeon chooses. The most common approaches are open surgery and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.

Open Hernia Repair

Incision: The surgeon makes a single, longer incision near the hernia site.
Tissue repair: The protruding tissue is gently pushed back into the abdomen. The weakened muscle or tissue is then either stitched together or, more commonly, reinforced with a synthetic mesh.
Closure: The surgeon closes the incision with stitches or staples.

Laparoscopic or Robotic Hernia Repair

Small incisions: The surgeon makes several small cuts, often three or four, in the abdomen.
Inflation: Carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate the abdomen, creating space and allowing the surgeon to see your internal organs clearly on a monitor.
Camera and instruments: A laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) is inserted through one incision, and small surgical instruments are inserted through the others.
Mesh placement: The hernia is repaired from the inside, and a surgical mesh is placed to reinforce the abdominal wall. Robotic surgery is a similar process but uses enhanced robotic instruments for greater precision.

Comparison of Hernia Repair Techniques


Feature	Open Hernia Repair	Laparoscopic / Robotic Repair
Incision Size	Single, longer incision (several inches)	Several small incisions (around an inch or less)
Anesthesia	Local, spinal, or general anesthesia	Typically general anesthesia
Recovery Time	Generally longer recovery time	Often shorter recovery and less pain
Pain	Can be more significant in the first few days	Less immediate pain, possible shoulder pain from gas
Hospital Stay	Usually outpatient, but can require overnight stay	Often outpatient, home the same day
Recurrence Rate	Comparable to minimally invasive methods	Comparable to open methods, though depends on surgeon skill

What to Expect Immediately After Surgery

Once the procedure is complete, you will be moved to a recovery room. Here's what you can expect:

Awakening from Anesthesia: If you had general anesthesia, it will take some time to wake up fully. You may feel groggy or disoriented.
Vital Sign Monitoring: The care team will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing to ensure a stable recovery.
Pain Management: You will likely have some pain or soreness at the surgical site. The medical staff will provide medication to manage this discomfort.
Managing Side Effects: If you had laparoscopic surgery, you might experience temporary shoulder pain from the gas used to inflate the abdomen. Resting with your feet elevated can help. Some people also experience nausea from anesthesia.
Discharge: For most outpatient procedures, you will be cleared to go home once you are fully awake, your pain is controlled, and you can walk comfortably. Remember, someone must drive you home.

Potential Risks and Long-Term Outlook

While hernia surgery is generally safe, it's important to be aware of potential risks and complications. Your surgeon will discuss these with you in detail.

Infection and bleeding: These can occur at the incision site, though risks are low.
Chronic Pain: Some individuals may experience long-term, chronic groin pain, particularly after inguinal hernia repair.
Mesh complications: In rare cases, the surgical mesh can cause issues, such as erosion or infection.
Recurrence: Although surgical techniques have improved, there is still a small risk that the hernia can return.
Fluid Accumulation: A seroma (fluid) or hematoma (blood) can collect at the surgical site.

For a more comprehensive discussion on long-term considerations, consult authoritative sources like Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials.

Conclusion: Your Path Forward

Knowing what to expect during a hernia surgery empowers you to have a smoother experience. By following your doctor's pre-operative instructions, understanding your surgical options, and preparing for the immediate post-op period, you can take control of your recovery. While pain and discomfort are normal, they are manageable, and a gradual return to activity is key to long-term success. Always communicate with your healthcare team about any concerns or questions you have throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

The duration of hernia surgery varies depending on the type and complexity. A laparoscopic repair for a small hernia may take about an hour, while larger or more complicated open repairs could take longer.

Yes, but the size and visibility of the scar will depend on the surgical method. Laparoscopic surgery results in several small, less noticeable scars, while open surgery leaves a single, larger scar.

You must not drive for at least 24 hours after receiving general anesthesia. For open surgery, it may be 1 to 2 weeks or until you can make an emergency stop without pain. Always consult your surgeon and your insurance company before driving.

No, heavy lifting is restricted for several weeks to allow proper healing and prevent recurrence. Most surgeons recommend avoiding lifting anything heavier than 10-15 pounds for 4 to 6 weeks, with gradual reintroduction of heavier weights only under medical clearance.

Yes, swelling and bruising around the incision site are normal and can last for a couple of weeks. A lump called a healing ridge can also form, which is a normal part of the process.

To avoid straining, which can stress the repair, drink plenty of fluids and eat high-fiber foods after surgery. If needed, a mild laxative can be used, but always consult with your doctor first.

Return-to-work timelines depend on your job and the surgery type. Office workers may return within 1 to 2 weeks, while those with strenuous or manual labor jobs may require 4 to 6 weeks off.