Dear Patient,
First of all, Iâm glad to hear that your surgery went well! Undergoing laparoscopic IPOM Plus surgery for diastasis recti and an umbilical hernia is a significant procedure, and itâs great that youâre seeking guidance about post-operative care.
Three weeks post-surgery, your body is still in the healing phase, and itâs important to follow the surgeonâs guidelines carefully to avoid any complications.
Sitting on the floor: Sitting on the floor might put additional strain on your core muscles and the surgical site. Itâs best to avoid sitting on the floor until youâve fully recovered, as getting up from the floor can require significant abdominal engagement, which could strain the mesh or surgical repair.
Household activities: Light household activities, such as walking, light meal preparation, or simple chores, should be okay as long as you avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities that involve your core muscles.
The mesh used in the surgery is designed to reinforce the abdominal wall and reduce the risk of hernia recurrence. Itâs a standard treatment, and complications from the mesh are relatively rare.
Potential issues with the mesh, though uncommon, include:
Infection (characterized by redness, swelling, fever)
Chronic pain (though some discomfort is normal in the weeks after surgery)
Mesh migration (rare, but could occur if the mesh shifts from its place)
As long as you follow the post-operative instructions and avoid overexertion, the mesh should remain in place and function as intended. Always monitor for any unusual symptoms like severe pain, fever, or worsening swelling at the surgical site.
The risk of hernia recurrence is generally low after a successful IPOM Plus surgery, especially with the mesh reinforcement.
However, recurrence can occur due to factors such as:
Straining the abdominal muscles too early in recovery
Heavy lifting or engaging in physical activities before the healing process is complete
Chronic coughing or conditions that increase abdominal pressure (like constipation or obesity)
Following your surgeonâs instructions for gradually increasing physical activity is crucial to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Health Tips
Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for at least 6â8 weeks after surgery. This is critical in preventing stress on the surgical site. Gradually increase activity levels under your doctorâs guidance. Walking is encouraged early in the recovery process to maintain circulation and prevent stiffness, but avoid exercises that engage the abdominal muscles until cleared by your doctor. Listen to your body: If you experience any discomfort, pain, or swelling when doing certain activities, stop and rest. Itâs better to take things slowly and ensure proper healing. Follow-up with your surgeon: Regular follow-up appointments are essential to ensure that the mesh is settling in properly and to check for any signs of complications or recurrence. Strengthening your core muscles: Once your doctor clears you, gentle exercises to strengthen your core may be recommended to support the repaired area and prevent recurrence. However, this should only be done under professional guidance once healing is complete.