Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Post-Hernia Repair Pain
1746878688
Post-hernia repair pain is discomfort that can occur after surgery to fix a hernia. A hernia happens when an organ pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall, and repair surgery, known as herniorrhaphy, involves placing the organ back in position and strengthening the muscle wall.
After surgery, studies show that up to roughly 10% of patients may experience chronic pain in the repaired area. This discomfort can result from tension in the repaired muscles, irritation, or pressure on nearby nerves despite a text book placement. The pain can vary, feeling like a sharp sensation, a dull ache, or discomfort with movement.
To support recovery, it’s important to rest and avoid activities that strain the area. Most cases can be managed without additional procedures using: ✔️ Pain relief medications, such as anti-inflammatories. ✔️ Physical therapy to improve mobility and prevent stiffness. ✔️ Activity modification to allow proper healing.
If pain persists or worsens, further evaluation may be needed to check for nerve irritation, scar tissue, or complications. In some cases, injections or additional treatments may be recommended.
Staying in close contact with your provider ensures that healing is progressing properly. In addition to conventional treatments, regenerative medicine options, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or biologic therapies using fat or bone marrow-derived cells, may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain where nerve entrapment may be the culprit. In exteme circumstances, permanent neuromodulation such as peripheral nerve, spinal cord or dorsal root ganglion stimulation may be required. These options offer a trial period before permanent implantation.
If you're experiencing ongoing pain after hernia repair, early management can improve recovery and prevent complications. Talk to our team to find the best treatment plan for you.
FAQs
Are there advanced treatment options available for post-hernia repair pain?
Yes, advanced treatments such as regenerative medicine—including PRP injections and biologic therapies—could reduce inflammation and relieve pain, especially in the case of nerve entrapment. In extreme situations, permanent neuromodulation procedures might be indicated, with trial periods offered before permanent implementation.
How common is chronic pain after hernia repair surgery?
Studies suggest that approximately 10% of patients may experience chronic pain following hernia repair surgery. This lingering discomfort is something to monitor, and its persistence may need additional medical evaluation.
What are the typical ways to manage post-hernia repair pain?
Post-hernia repair pain can typically be managed through resting and avoiding activities that strain the area, using pain relief medications like anti-inflammatories, attending physical therapy to improve mobility and prevent stiffness, and modifying activities to allow the surgical site to heal properly.
What is post-hernia repair pain, and why does it occur?
Post-hernia repair pain is discomfort experienced after surgery to fix a hernia. It occurs because of tension in the repaired muscles, irritation, or pressure on nerves in the area where the organ was put back and the muscle wall was strengthened. The pain can feel sharp, dull, or arise with movement.
What should be done if pain after hernia repair persists or worsens?
If pain continues or gets worse, further evaluation might be necessary to look for nerve irritation, scar tissue, or other complications. Possible solutions may include injections or advanced treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and in severe cases, neuromodulation techniques may be considered.