Is Swelling Normal After Traditional Hernia Surgery? Expert Insights

After traditional hernia surgery, the original site of the hernia may still appear swollen?

Hello Doctor, my husband had traditional hernia surgery a month ago.
Three days after the surgery, we had a follow-up appointment where the doctor just asked about his condition verbally and looked at the incision, and then we went home.
Today, while lying flat, I noticed that the area where the hernia was is still swollen compared to the area without a hernia.
Is this normal? During follow-up visits, is it necessary to perform X-rays or ultrasounds to check the internal healing status? Thank you, Doctor.

Katherine, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/15

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery

After traditional hernia surgery, the wound healing will involve normal fibrotic scar tissue formation, which may present as some swelling and hardness upon palpation.
If there is no significant severe pain or signs of redness and infection, this is considered a normal healing process.
The condition is expected to improve over time.

Reply Date: 2021/05/15

More Info

After traditional hernia surgery, it is not uncommon for patients to experience some degree of swelling in the affected area. This swelling can be attributed to several factors, including the body's natural inflammatory response to surgery, fluid accumulation, and tissue healing processes.
When a surgical procedure is performed, the body initiates a healing response that includes increased blood flow to the area, which can lead to swelling. This is a normal part of the healing process and usually resolves over time. In the case of hernia surgery, the incision and manipulation of tissues can cause localized inflammation, which may manifest as swelling.
Typically, swelling may persist for several weeks post-surgery, and in some cases, it can take a few months for the area to return to its normal size. However, if the swelling is accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, warmth, increased pain, or discharge from the incision site, it may indicate an infection or other complications, and you should seek medical attention promptly.

Regarding your question about imaging studies like X-rays or ultrasounds, these are not routinely performed unless there are specific concerns about complications such as a recurrence of the hernia or other issues. If the swelling is significant or if there are other concerning symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend imaging to evaluate the underlying tissues and ensure that everything is healing properly.

In summary, mild to moderate swelling after traditional hernia surgery can be considered normal, especially within the first month post-operation. It is essential to monitor the area for any signs of complications and to follow up with your healthcare provider for any concerns. If the swelling does not improve or worsens, or if you have any other symptoms that cause concern, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor for further evaluation.
In addition to monitoring the surgical site, it is also important to follow post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and following a gradual return to normal activities. Proper care and attention to your body’s signals during the recovery phase can significantly contribute to a successful healing process.

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