How Soon Should One Return to Work After a Hernia Surgery?

Complete recovery time from hernia repair, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, takes two to four weeks. However, the day you can return to work depends on the type of job duties you have.

Significance

• With a hernia, you suffer from an abnormal bulging of your internal organs because of a weakness in your muscular wall, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Function

• Hernia repair, or surgery, typically occurs when your hernia begins to interfere with your daily activities, such as work, and to prevent complications like blocked intestines.

Desk Job

• According to Surgery Channel, if you have a desk job you can return to work within two weeks.

Other Jobs

• If your job requires you to do any heavy lifting or strenuous activities, your return to work may take several weeks. Your hernia will need to heal before you return to work to avoid strain on your incision, according to Surgery Channel.

Warning

• As with any surgery, complications of hernia surgery can delay your return to work. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe swelling, bleeding or discharge at your incision site.