A hernia occurs due to a weakness in the muscles of the abdomen or pelvis. A soft tissue bulges out through a weakened spot in the wall. Hernias generally do not go away on its own. It needs a proper and timely treatment in order to avoid the unfortunate. A hernia operation is one of the most requested surgeries at present. There are two main methods to perform the surgery- traditional open method and minimally invasive (laparoscopic) method.

A laparoscopic hernia operation is a modern day surgery and has gained popularity in a very small time. Laparoscopic surgery holds a number of advantages over the traditional open method. These include less pain, scarless and faster recovery. With such benefits, both the surgeon and the patient prefers this method over the other.

There are different types of a hernia including inguinal, umbilical, femoral, incisional, epigastric and hiatal hernia. Irrespective of which one you have undergone a surgery, the following tips are useful to speed up your recovery.

• Walk every day: Walking is the best form of exercise that one can practice daily. It is advisable to start walking after some days of the surgery as advised by the doctor. It has a lot of benefits, such as it speeds up healing, increases blood circulation, helps in digestion and does not strain the abdomen. Avoid lifting heavy objects or strenuous activities in the initial few weeks of the surgery. Always use your knees and not abdominal muscles while lifting objects.
• Maintain a Balanced Diet: A diet high in fiber always helps in the healing process post surgery. Include a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet to get the nutrients and energy required for quick healing. Drink plenty of water to avoid constipation. Constipation is harmful especially after a surgery as it can cause pain around the wound. Consult your doctor for a remedy if constipation persists.
• Use Ice Packs on the Wound: Some swelling and pain after a surgery is normal. Use ice packs around the wound area to reduce swelling and pain. Follow your surgeon’s advice on the same on its frequency. Generally, 10 to 15 minutes at a time every 2 hours is suggested.
• Beware of warning signs: Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice any of the following signs. These include high fever, excessive bleeding, and sweating; persistent pain, persistent coughing or shortness of breath and difficulty in urinating.

These tips can surely help you recover faster and get back to your normal routine as soon as possible.

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