Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Robotic Hernia Surgeon · Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar · Gota OPD, Ahmedabad
In short
Some pain after a hernia repair is expected. Knowing what is normal helps you take the right dose at the right time, and spot the rare pain that is not part of healing.
This page covers the first week. Pain that lasts for months after a repair is a different problem, with its own page.
On the day of surgery, local anaesthetic placed during the operation keeps the wounds numb for some hours. As it wears off, the soreness builds.
Days one to three are usually the hardest. Getting out of bed, coughing and laughing hurt the most. From day four the pain eases a little each day. By the end of the first week most people need only an occasional tablet.
Keyhole and robotic repairs usually hurt less than an open repair, but every person feels pain differently. Needing a painkiller does not mean something has gone wrong.
In keyhole and robotic surgery the belly is gently filled with gas to make room to work. Most of it is let out at the end. A little that remains can irritate the diaphragm.
The nerve from the diaphragm shares a path with nerves from the shoulder. So the brain feels the pain at the tip of the shoulder. It is harmless and settles within one or two days. Walking and sitting upright help the gas clear.
What pain usually feels like, day by day
| When | What is usual | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Day of surgery | Sore wounds, local numbness wearing off | First painkiller dose on time, short walk |
| Days 1 to 3 | Most pain; sore when getting up or coughing | Painkillers by the clock, pillow over the wound |
| Days 1 to 2 after keyhole repair | Pain at the tip of one or both shoulders | Walking, sitting upright, a warm drink |
| Days 4 to 7 | Aching on movement, less at rest | Painkillers only when needed |
| After week 1 | Pulling or tightness with effort | Gradual return to normal activity |
Not sure whether your pain is on track? Send a short WhatsApp with the day of surgery and where it hurts.
If you take blood thinners, or have kidney or stomach problems, tell the team before you go home. Some common painkillers are not suitable for you.
Pain that is not normal
Any of these needs a call to the clinic the same day. If you are breathless or feel faint, go to the nearest emergency department.
Most of the pain is in the first two or three days. By the end of the first week most people need little or no painkiller. Some aching on movement can last a few weeks.
Keyhole surgery uses gas to make space inside the belly. A little gas left behind can irritate the diaphragm, and the pain is felt in the shoulder. It settles in one or two days.
For the first two or three days, yes, take them at the times you were given. Steady doses work better than waiting until the pain is bad.
Some swelling and bruising of the scrotum is common after a groin repair. It should slowly get better. Swelling that keeps growing or becomes very painful needs to be seen.
Call the clinic if pain gets worse after the third day, or comes with fever, vomiting, a swollen belly, or not being able to pass urine.
The main page on this site is robotic hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Shah's Gastro, Cancer & Robotic Surgery Centre
Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar
Gota OPD, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.
Swasth Parivar: twice a month, practical advice on recovery, diet and warning signs. No advertising. Stop any time.
Your number is used for these updates and for the clinic to reach you. It is never sold or passed on. To stop, reply STOP on WhatsApp.