Heal Time for Epigastric Hernia Repair Surgery

Epigastric, or umbilical, hernias are common in children and adults, according to the National Institutes of Health. Surgical repair is performed in children if the hernia hasn't closed by age 3 or 4 and in adults whose hernias are large or painful.

Different Healing Times

• Most epigastric surgical repairs are done laparoscopically. This results in smaller incisions, less trauma to the surgical site and faster healing times than with traditional open-surgical techniques.

While You're Healing

• Surgical site discomfort will last about one to two weeks after surgery, according to published guidelines. Wait two days to shower, and avoid straining, stretching the wound, heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least two weeks.

Pediatric Patients' Recovery

• Expect infants and children to have surgical site discomfort for the first week or two, and to resume normal activities after two to four weeks.

Adult Recovery to Daily Activities

• Follow physician instructions regarding caring for the incision at home; return to normal daily activities should take two to four weeks, depending on the surgical technique.

Relapse Is Rare

• Once fully healed, the risk of epigastric hernia recurrence is very low for healthy patients, says the NIH.