Recovery after inguinal hernia repair: week by week

The ranges below are gathered from NHS pages and trust leaflets, which do not all agree. The difference is partly the type of operation, keyhole or open, and partly local habit. Treat the figures as an expected shape for your recovery, and give your own discharge sheet priority.

The operation itself is described on the linked inguinal hernia repair guide; this page is only about the weeks afterwards.

Take painkillers regularly for the first few days, then reduce them, as Guy's and St Thomas' advises; it also warns that some painkillers cause constipation, which makes straining and discomfort worse. The NHS suggests paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain around the wound, and says to keep the wound covered, clean and dry.

A Dudley leaflet says the dressing can be removed 48 hours after the operation, after which you can shower normally, avoiding perfumed products until the wound is healed. Men may notice scrotal or penile swelling and bruising; the same leaflet advises supportive underpants for 4 days, including at night. Guy's and St Thomas' says you can shower or bathe after 24 hours, whereas the NHS advises avoiding bathing and swimming for about 2 weeks, so check which your unit prefers.

Gentle walking is encouraged from the start. The NHS advises no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Guy's and St Thomas' is more specific, with 2 weeks after keyhole and 4 after open surgery. A Hull leaflet says to avoid any heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks. Shopping bags count, according to the Dudley leaflet.

For sport and sex, the Dudley leaflet takes a practical line: if it hurts, do not do it, and if it does not hurt it is fine. Increase effort stepwise instead of making one big jump after a clear week.

GOV.UK says you must tell the DVLA if you have had an operation and are still unable to drive 3 months later, and advises asking your doctor if unsure how an operation affects driving. NHS leaflets give practical tests: Guy's and St Thomas' says driving can resume within 1 to 2 weeks once you are free of pain and can perform an emergency stop; Dudley says typically about 7 days once you can manage stairs comfortably; Hull says not for the first 48 hours. Your insurer's terms matter, so confirm before you drive.

On work, the NHS says usually at least 1 to 2 weeks off, or up to 6 weeks if your job involves heavy lifting. Ask for a fit note before you leave hospital if you need one.

Stitches are either dissolvable or removed 10 to 14 days after surgery, according to the Dudley leaflet, which says itching, tingling, lumpiness and numbness are typical during healing. Guy's and St Thomas' says not to pick at skin glue, which flakes off naturally after 10 to 14 days. A firm ridge under the scar is common and fades with time.

Flying is a separate question: Hull says at least 48 hours after keyhole surgery and 10 days after open repair.

Guy's and St Thomas' lists a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius, persistent bleeding or discharge, excessive abdominal pain or swelling, persistent nausea or vomiting, spreading redness and difficulty passing urine as reasons to contact the hospital. The NHS adds leg pain, breathlessness and coughing blood as reasons to call NHS 111, with 999 for severe breathing problems, chest or upper back pain.