A hernia occurs when a body organ protrudes through a weak area of muscle. Hernias commonly occur in the esophageal region,belly button, groin area, and at the site of a previous operation. Some people are born with a hernia while others develop the condition over a period of time. A hernia can be repaired with laparoscopic surgery. Your doctor will likely advise you to avoid certain physical exercises after you undergo laparascopic hernia surgery.
Exercise
After laparascopic hernia surgery, your doctor may advise you to avoid heavy lifting and straining for at least two weeks. Examples of strenuous physical exercises include weightlifting, situps, pushups, boxing, yoga and swimming. Vigorous physical exercise can increase pressure on the operation site, which can lead to compromise of the surgical sutures. Internal bleeding can occur if the surgical sutures are opened before the surgical wound heals.
Safe Exercise
Once the pain and discomfort from laparoscopic surgery is controlled, your doctor might allow you to engage in non-strenuous exercises such as walking. Slowly increase your activity level without straining. Straining can put pressure on the operation site which can lead to opening of the sutures. You can also perform normal activities of daily living such as cooking and showering.
Straining
The doctor may prescribe you laxatives to prevent constipation, which can cause straining during bowel movement. Drink six to eight glasses of water daily to soften stool. Increase intake of high-fiber foods to soften and add bulk stools. Avoid prolonged bed rest because it can worsen constipation. Walk regularly to enable your bowels to remain active.
Complications
When recovering from laparoscopic hernia surgery, consult your doctor if you experience symptoms such as high fever, chills, bleeding or foul smelling discharge from your wound, unusual warmth or redness at operation site, decreased urination, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can indicate a new infection or other complication at the site of operation.
