Hernia repair surgery

Days before surgery

Medication and supplements

• Some medication will need to be withheld before surgery.

• Bring your regular medications in their original packaging to the hospital, and follow instructions on which ones to take on the day of surgery.

Special considerations

• Notify us if you develop a cough, infection, or any change in health in the week before surgery.

• Arrange help at home for the first few days after surgery, especially for transportation, meals, and household tasks.

• Plan not to drive for a week after surgery, so arrange for transport and assistance as needed.

• It is normal to feel anxious. Bring something to help you relax, such as headphones, music, or a book.

The day before surgery

• Shower or bathe the night before or morning of surgery

• Do not shave the surgical area; this will be done by the surgical team if needed.

• Eat a light meal the evening before and avoid alcohol after 8pm.

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight unless instructed otherwise (some medications may be taken with a sip of water).

The day of surgery

• Remove all jewellery, piercings, make-up, and nail polish before coming to the hospital.

• Wear comfortable clothing and bring any hearing aids or glasses you may need.

• You may wish to bring a friend or family member to accompany you and drive you home.

• Arrive at the hospital at the specified time and bring all necessary paperwork and identification.

When do I arrive?

You will be required to arrive at the hospital a few hours before surgery so that the hospital staff can be prepared for the operation.

• If you have a morning operation, arrive at the hospital at 7am. Do not have any food or drink after midnight prior (do not have breakfast).

• If you have an afternoon operation, arrive at the hospital at 11am. Have your last Optifast no later than 8am and drink only water until 10am. Do not have anything after 10am.

For more information, download the hernia repair surgery guide below.

General recovery timeline

• First week: Focus on rest, wound care, and gentle movement.

• Two to four weeks: Gradually return to full activities.

• Four to six weeks: Most patients can resume normal activities.

Wound care

• Your wounds will usually have dissolving stitches and will be covered in a waterproof dressing. Keep your wound dry for the first 24 to 48 hours. After this period, you may shower, but avoid submerging the incision in water (baths, swimming) for 2 weeks.

• Inspect the dressing after showering. The waterproof dressing may become wet or loose. If this happens, you may remove it, but try not to disturb the sticky plaster dressing underneath, which is adhered to the wound. This plaster normally falls off after about 2 weeks.

• Do not apply ointments, antiseptics, or powders to the incision. Simply keep it clean and dry.

• Monitor for signs of infection: Notify your surgical team if you notice excessive redness, drainage, swelling, or increasing pain at the incision site.

Pain relief

Take prescribed pain medication as directed. It’s normal to require medication for the first 1 to 2 weeks.

For more information about pain relief, get in touch or download the post-op hernia repair surgery guide below.

Activity and mobility

• Early movement is encouraged: get up and walk as soon as you are able, even on the day of surgery. Walking helps prevent blood clots, improves breathing, and speeds up recovery.

• Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least 2 weeks: An easy rule of thumb is to avoid exercising faster than walking pace and not lift anything heavier than a plate of food for 2 weeks.

• No absolute bed rest is needed: staying active helps your recovery.

• You may resume driving when you can perform an emergency stop without pain, usually after 3 to 5 days.

Bowel Care

Constipation is common after hernia surgery. Use over-the-counter laxatives (e.g., Metamucil, Lactulose, Coloxyl) if needed, and do not hesitate to take them preventively for the first few days.

Stay hydrated and eat foods high in fibre to help prevent constipation.

Nausea

Some patients will remain nauseated for a few days after surgery. This is usually related to the analgesia and eases once it is stopped. However, sometimes antiemetics such as Ondansetron are required.

Medications

Take your medications exactly as prescribed on your medication discharge instruction sheet. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, all of your medications and vitamins can be swallowed as they are given. Alternatively, you may crush tablets or use chewable or liquid forms.

For more information about medications, get in touch or download the post-op hernia repair surgery guide below.

Return to work

This depends on the type of work involved. People in desk jobs can usually return to work within a week. Those in heavy labour jobs will need at least two weeks off work.

Contact Dr Flint at the rooms or your GP if you experience:

• Fever above 38°C.

• Increasing redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision.

• Severe or worsening pain not relieved by medication.

• An enlarging lump at the site of surgery.

P. 03 375 4480

For more information, download the hernia repair surgery guide below.

I am an independent surgeon, but I operate out of St George’s Hospital, one of Christchurch’s leading healthcare facilities. Enjoy comfortable surroundings and the support of dedicated nursing staff delivering quality care throughout your stay.

Hernia surgery doesn’t always require an overnight stay.

It depends on the type of medication. Here is a pre-op guide to find out more. If you have any doubt or further questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me or your GP.

There are no strict rules after hernia repair — everyone heals differently. Most evidence shows that gentle exercise after two weeks does not increase the risk of recurrence. The key is to listen to your body and progress gradually.

For large or complex abdominal hernias: These guidelines are more flexible. Continue following the early recovery advice for up to six weeks before increasing activity, and check with me before doing more.

Weeks 1–2: rest and light movement

Focus on healing and gentle activity. You can move around the house, take short walks every hour or two, and do light stretching or deep breathing.

Office or desk jobs are usually safe to return to within a day or two if you feel well. For physical or heavy jobs, take at least two weeks off before lifting or strenuous work.

Avoid heavy lifting (more than 5 kg), twisting, bending, or anything that causes strain in your abdomen. Keep movement slow and controlled.

Weeks 2–4: gentle exercise and building confidence

Begin light exercise and easy strength work as you feel able. Good options include walking 20–30 minutes daily, stationary cycling at low resistance, swimming (once wounds are fully healed), and body-weight or isolated dumbbell exercises for arms and shoulders (e.g., wall push-ups or light shoulder raises).

Most people still find jogging uncomfortable during this period. If you are a keen runner, gentle jogging on flat ground for up to 20 minutes is fine if tolerated. Any discomfort is often felt the next day, so start slowly and reassess over the next week or two before increasing your distance or pace.

Avoid heavy gym exercises (squats, deadlifts, and bench presses) and core workouts such as sit-ups or planks.

By four weeks, most patients are comfortable doing most daily and recreational activities.

Weeks 4–6: regain strength

You can now gradually increase effort while keeping good form and control. Extend walking, cycling, or swimming sessions; resume light gym and fitness routines; and start compound lifts such as squats, deadlifts, or bench presses at under 30% of your usual weight.

Avoid high-intensity or heavy training, long-distance running, and any movement that causes discomfort. Allow your repair time to strengthen before pushing harder.

After 6 weeks: return to normal

Most people can safely return to full fitness after six weeks. You can resume running, regular gym workouts, and sport, as well as core exercises like bird-dog, dead bug, or modified planks.

Always listen to your body — mild effort is fine, but if you notice pain, swelling, or bulging, ease back and contact me.

At a glance

Weeks 1–2

• What you can do: light walking, daily tasks, return to desk work.

• Avoid: lifting more than 5 kg, bending, or core strain.

Weeks 2–4

• What you can do: walking, cycling, swimming, bodyweight or light dumbbells.

• Avoid: heavy lifting, sit-ups, planks.

Weeks 4–6

• What you can do: most exercises at moderate intensity.

• Avoid: high-intensity or heavy training.

6 + Weeks

• What you can do: full activity if pain-free.

• Avoid: overexertion or ignoring symptoms.

Get in touch for practical advice on hernia recovery, safe exercise after repair, and returning to work or sport after surgery.

The costs differ for each surgery. Here is a list of indicative costs for each of the hernia surgeries I perform:

• Lap inguinal hernia $9,222 to $12,030

• Umbilical hernia repair $11,136 to $14,548

• Lap hiatal hernia repair and fundoplication $12,944 to $16,994

Note that these prices are indicative.

Most of the surgeries I perform are covered by your insurance* or ACC. Please check your health insurance plan to confirm the extent of your cover.

*All insurance providers are accepted.

Visit the FAQs if you have more questions, or get in touch with me for any other concerns.