A hernia is a common medical condition that occurs when tissue or part of an organ bulges through an opening or weak spot in your muscle or tissue that normally holds it in place. While most hernias aren’t serious, they can become more serious over time, requiring surgical repair.¹ A hernia will not heal on its own; surgery is required to repair a hernia.

Hernia repair is generally an outpatient surgery. This means patients typically go home the same day as the operation. Some patients, however, may require an overnight stay. How quickly you can return to normal activities (like work) depends on a variety of factors, such as:²

• Hernia type: Different hernias may require different repair approaches.
• Age and overall health: While every patient is different, younger and healthier individuals tend to recover faster than those who are older or have additional health conditions. 
• Type of surgery performed: 
  • Robotic: The surgeon sits at a specialized console that controls robotic surgical instruments. The system provides three-dimensional, high-definition imaging from inside your body, giving the surgeon an enhanced view of the surgical area. The hernia contents are returned to their natural position, and a mesh reinforcement patch is typically placed to support the repair from behind the abdominal wall.^3,4,5
  • Laparoscopic: Laparoscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery that only requires a small ‘keyhole’ incision. Laparoscopic repairs use a small camera and specialized minimally invasive tools for accuracy. Patients may experience a faster and more comfortable recovery following laparoscopic repair compared to an open surgery.^5,6
  • Open: In an open repair, an incision is made at the site of the hernia. Depending on your surgical history, such as if a previous surgery has caused scar tissue, doctors may opt for this more traditional approach.
     

It’s important that you plan time off work to support proper healing and recovery after hernia surgery. When you can return to work will be determined by the size and complexity of the hernia repair and depend on your unique situation. Some repair techniques, like laparoscopic or robotic repair, use smaller incisions and typically lead to a quicker recovery. Below are general timelines for each procedure, but will vary from patient to patient:

• Laparoscopic repair timeline: Two to four weeks (return to most normal activities)^6,7
  • Most patients can go back to office work or desk jobs in 1–2 weeks after laparoscopic surgery, while physical jobs may require more time.
• Robotic repair timeline: Two to four weeks (return to most normal activities)⁷
  • Most people can return to work or school within several days of surgery.
• Open repair timeline: Six to eight weeks⁷

Recovery varies from person to person, but strenuous activity should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.⁷ Your surgeon can provide specific guidance on when you may resume work safely. This timeline depends on the type of work you do and the severity of your hernia.
 

Many worry about job security when planning a hernia procedure. It is important to review your options:

• Check your medical leave benefits and and review Personal Sick Leave policies.
  • Review your employer’s offerings (sick time, short-term disability, paid leave programs, remote work options, etc.). 
• Ask about The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
  • The FMLA law provides certain workers with job-protected leave when they need time off work due to a serious health condition. If an employee requests FMLA leave for a surgery that requires or results in an overnight stay in the hospital, the request would meet the definition of a serious health condition. Verify your eligibility for this coverage with your employer.⁸
• Inquire about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 
  • The ADA not only prohibits employers from discriminating against employees with disabilities but also requires employers to provide reasonable workplace accommodation to qualified employees.⁹
     

Coordinate early with your employer. Work with your HR team to understand what documentation is required and to verify eligibility. In some cases, an employee may use FMLA to cover the time off for their procedure, and/or ADA accommodation may be available to help to support the employee on their return.⁹
 

Typically, doctors will require patients to take time off work to recover from hernia repair surgery. Your doctor will provide a recommended timeline for your own individual situation depending on the type of work you do, the severity of your hernia, and the type of surgery you received. When you do return to work, it is advised that you avoid:⁶

• Straining
• Lifting more than 10 pounds
• Strenuous activity
• Core-focused exercise routines (if working in a fitness-related field)
  

Engaging in any strenuous activity too soon may put you at a higher risk of developing a recurrent hernia, developing complications, or prolonging recovery.¹⁰ Be sure to talk to your doctor about getting approval before partaking in any of the above.
 

Every recovery journey looks different. It's important to prioritize your health, listen to your body, attend follow-up appointments, and and carefully follow the advice of your care team. If you have any questions along the way, always be sure to reach out to your doctor.

The guidance provided in this article follows general rules that should be discussed with your doctor. This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not substitute for medical advice. If in doubt, always consult your doctor.