Doctor's Own Inguinal Hernia Repair and Recovery

About a month ago I discovered that I had two inguinal (groin) hernias. I decided to have them both repaired robotically. This is my experience from post op day one through post op day three.
A link to another individual's experience with an open inguinal hernia repair (not robotic):
This is an educational video on robotic repair of an inguinal hernia:

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[dirtwhisperer]

I just turned 60 and I had 2 hernias repaired with laparscopic surgery exactly 3 weeks ago and yes I agreed to mesh for both hernias. 1 more week and I am going back in the gym. I'm not gonna lie and say that it was not painful or uncomfortable but it wasn't THAT bad. The first 4 days were the worst and I took the codone pills the surgeon prescribed. After that I dropped back to Advil for a couple more days. Just get plenty of sleep and every morning when you wake up the pain is a little less. I made myself get up and walk around which I think helped. On day 7 we went to a boardwalk and watched fireworks and I did a lot of walking that day. When I got home that night it was hurting and burning so I took 1 more codone pill. There was a lump about the size of a golfball where the original hernia was. That lump has reduced itself down to the size of a marble now. I still fill some pulling pain here and there like if I twist or pick up a case of water or whatever, but it keeps getting better day by day. Don't worry guys you got this! I was a nervous wreck about the anesthesia and surgery but everything went smooth. The hospital staff were like a well oiled machine. Don't put it off and suffer with hernias. Go ahead and get it fixed so you can back to your normal routine.

[jsbj]

I am 1 week post op, laparoscopic inguinal repair. Still having pain in the abdomen and right side groin. Be prepared for longer recovery than you may think.

[ericfroment]

day two after my operation. you description is exactly as I feel, spot on😮‍💨

[stevetolliver]

I’m 66 and exercise and have a hernia. Thanks for the post. Still worried about the loss of everything I have worked daily on by having the surgery. I appreciate your post and information given about the after effects of the gas. I hope all is well. Thanks again sir. Be safe out there

[kevingrimes]

Thanks so much for this video. For me, an old f*rt, this is the kind of video that makes you tube so great. I'm having the surgery tomorrow a.m. and I'm super reassured thanks to you for sharing your objective and educated perspective. I know that not everyone has exactly the same aftersurgery experiences so mine may not mirror yours. But I won't be nearly so surprised by any of it if it occurs. Many thumbs up and thanks.

[Squareknt]

Just had my rare Spigelian 20mm hernia repaired August 7th plus an old 2.5mm Umbilicus while he was in there. I am a very active 78 year old. Think I got this from doing McKensie exercises after back surgery two years ago. Your post surgery videos were very helpful for my recovery. Still in the hurt locker from the gas in the gut but better every day. Went to our brand new Special Surgery Center here in Lewes, DE and had the Robotic, went in at 7:30 am and was back home by 10. I wish I knew about the bowl obstruction a year ago. I lost my younger brother (62) last October due to a incarcerated/ strangulated bowl obstruction. He went in Oct 9th and they treated him for two days for food poisoning, then he had emergency surgery, spent 47 days in the ICU, always incubated and sedated until they pulled the plug on Thanksgiving Day. Which is what encouraged me to get to my Primary and get a C Scan. Thanks again!

[alaplex]

I had two right inguinal hernias. 2011 and 2019. Lapriscopic with mesh and open repair with mesh. First hernia failed and now I am having a lot of pain complications after the second surgery. Don't celebrate too soon. Recurrent hernias are much worse than the first. Don't think that you can just start doing competitive or very active sports just because the pain goes away. Hernias have a way of slowly sneaking back up gradually over time and the older you are the weaker your abdominal wall becomes. In addition, any subsequent hermia surgeries weaken it even further. Be careful. I learned the hard way. DONT LIFT!!!!

[n_giantyeti]

Glad to have found this video. 29 here, I was diagnosed with two indirect inguinal hernias, one each left and right sides. After my consult I made the decision to have the mesh repair. Had the robotic laparoscopic repair for both in one procedure. First day fully home, I had the gaseous pain, bloating, and pain where the actual repairs were done. My incisions don’t hurt. Yesterday, Day 2 recovery; still had the above pain, bloating; but the gaseous pain is starting to subside; I had my first bowel movement yesterday late morning. Sleeping is rough as I can’t sleep on my sides yet….last night felt slight nerve pain twice, once was a tingle and then second time it shot up the right side of my torso to under my right arm. Today; Day 3, gaseous pain is pretty much gone, still have minor pain; passed a regular bowel movement this morning and had a nerve shock go down my right leg. Just hoping my recovery goes well. I know it’s not 100% fool proof repair but I hope I can get back to my normal life in a month. Was great to see I’m not alone.

[chrisyoung]

Thank you for sharing. I had my gallbladder removed, and an umbilical hernia repaired last year. I asked the surgeon to repair while he was removing my gallbladder. He didn't use mess. Saw him again today and have bilateral inguinal hernias and another umbilical hernia. He decided to mess it all this time. Hopefully, I will not have another issue.

[lisaraker]

Thank you for posting about your hernia repair experience! Today is my 3rd day post op from a complex ventral hernia repair and robotic abdominal reconstruction with transversus abdominis release. They installed a 30x30cm mesh. I’m doing the half dose of pain meds as needed, otherwise it’s Tylenol. I came home with a drain which is the most painful part so far. I definitely agree with the “no sneezing, no coughing, and no laughing” recommendation. I would also add “clearing your throat” and “blowing your nose” to that list! Again, thanks for posting and I hope you heal well!

[winstonsmith]

When you have that first BM post surgery. It is glorious!

[jackstraw]

Day 5 postop for me. Everything going well. You nailed it with the laugh, sneeze, cough comment! 😂

[janetleeharrison]

TFS your experience! Hearing this information from a doctor/patient point of view is very reassuring. I can't imagine the "gas" pain on top of being sore from the surgery - jeepers! You look amazing & I would've never guessed that you are only 3-4 days post-op. Glad you were able to get both hernias repaired in one operation. Best wishes for a prefect recovery!🤞🚴‍♀

[Jwall_E]

I had same surgery. Bilateral. No pain. Never used the meds they gave me. Worst was not pooping for 2 days. I followed doctors orders. No sex for 2 weeks. No gym for 6 weeks. Again, I had zero pain! UW Hospital staff did a phenomenal job!

[MidnightExpressMC]

In my sixties. Had inguinal hernia repaired by renowned specialist Dr. Shadid at Hoag in Newport Beach, California six years ago ~ robotic with mesh. Hasn’t ever said a single peep since then, although doing gnarly hiking, lifting weights, riding a heavyweight motorcycle, yardwork, etc. Thank you kindly for this posting, good Dr! Very reassuring as I need him to go in for the other side, now. Same program 👍

[johnquillman]

Had three done at one time. You nailed it. Thanks

[doubleunderfire]

My surgery is tomorrow. Same procedure. This video really helps!

[HankRitzert]

I really appreciate your video. It put my mind at ease. I would like to know how you are doing now. Also, if there are other tips you have.

[constructapex]

I am 6 days post op, i can stand up straight and walk decent amount of distance a day before the bloated feeling returns. Pain isolated to where the groin hernia was, it burns sometimes but is tolerable. I still feel physically un mobile if that makes sense. Awesome video

[danieltaylor]

I've had 2 inguinal hernia repairs several years ago, at different times. Mine were done laparoscopically and I did have some soreness for the first few days, but it wasn't bad at all. Nothing at all like you described. In fact, I've had several surgeries, (knees, shoulders, appendix) and I felt the hernia repairs were easier than the others.