Abdominal surgery is a common procedure. Doctors perform abdominal surgery on a daily basis for conditions such as repairing a hernia, the removal of an appendix, Cesarian section, hysterectomy, for the treatment of cancer of certain bowel conditions, and many other reasons. Since this is such a common surgical location it is not uncommon for divers to undergo abdominal surgery and to wonder whether or not they can dive after the surgery is done and if so, when diving can be resumed.
The first thing to consider when it comes to diving after abdominal surgery is the reason why the surgery was required in the first place. If there cancer was the issue and there are other forms of treatment post-surgery, then this must be the primary determining factor when deciding whether or not to return to diving. If a hernia was repaired, then this must also be considered as a hernia can cause complications while diving and the proper surgical treatment and healing must be confirmed. However, in many instances the underlying reason for the surgery will in no way affect the individual while diving because it is a temporary condition that, once the surgery is complete will not cause any trouble. It may be an acute condition, such as appendicitis or a simple tubal ligation. In this case, it is the surgery itself that must be taken into consideration.
When a person has had abdominal surgery there must be an adequate healing time before diving can recommence. This is a minimum of six to eight weeks to allow the muscles of the abdominal wall to fully heal. If a diver does too much before this, even lifting heavy gas cylinders and other dive equipment, he or she could experience injury. In addition to this, the time that it takes for this healing to occur will result in a decreased level of fitness for the diver. For this reason, the diver must engage in an exercise program under a doctor's supervision. In this way, the diver can gradually increase his or her level of cardiovascular and muscular fitness so that when diving is resumed, the diver will not be impeded by lack of energy or fitness.
Another consideration that must be taken into account is the possibility of a surgical location to develop into a hernia. This type of hernia is referred to an incisional hernia and the result carries the same risks as any other type of hernia. When a person has a hernia, particularly one which is part of the intestinal tract that is protruding through the lining in the abdomen; there is a very real danger of gas becoming trapped in that section of the intestines. If this happens while diving, then on ascent the diver can experience a rupture of the bowel in that section and this can cause damage and blood loss to that section of the intestines. For this reason, a person with an untreated hernia should not dive. Treatment for a hernia requires surgery and then the diver is back to square one, waiting to heal after abdominal surgery has been performed.
When it comes to abdominal surgery and any other type of surgery, an adequate amount of healing time is also required in order to avoid infection of the surgical site. After all, the ocean is filled with so many microorganisms, including many types of bacteria, and infection is practically inevitable if the surgical incision is not fully healed. Regardless, if you have had abdominal surgery, then it is crucial that you consult your physician before you return to diving. Not doing so could result in injury or a potential life-threatening situation.
Everyone wants to go diving as soon as possible after having abdominal surgery, but you have to be smart about it. If you go back too early you could turn six to eight weeks of no diving into months of no diving. It is better to be safe than sorry in this situation and you can do that by consulting your doctor and taking his or her advice. That way, when you do return to diving after your abdominal surgery you will be able to fully enjoy the experience and know that you are safe and sound and will be free to explore the underwater world until your heart is content.