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Inquiry Regarding Running & Post Surgery
Hello Doctors, my name is Brendon. I am seeking your advice regarding my physical activity and post-op recovery. I underwent an emergency laparotomy splenectomy to remove my ruptured spleen following an accident last year. Before the accident, I was an active runner participating in 5km and 10km races. Six months after the surgery, with the clearance of my surgeons, I began running again. I started with shorter distances, 2.5km & 5km races, initially at a slower pace of around 8 min/km. Currently, i have increased my pace to around 6:30 to 7 min/km. I have not experienced any pain or discomfort at my incision site and I have not done any recent checkups. I would like to inquire if it would be safe for me to participate in a 10km race in July 2026. Running a half and full marathon is one of my life goals! My concern is the risk of developing a hernia or other complications, if any. I would greatly appreciate your professional opinion/guidance regarding my status.
Regards, Brendon.
Answers (5)
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Hello Brendon!
If its been more than a year since your surgery then there is very little chances of developing hernia because the fascia of your abdomen would have regained 80-90% of its tensile strength.
Go with a progressive increase in the kilometres and make sure your core is tight while running. A 10km race would be a proper step in increasing your kilo-meters.
As for precautions-
1. Incorporate some isometric exercises like planks to strengthen your core
2. You can wear abdominal binders to support the abdominal muscles while running.
Warning signs
1. In case of a bulge at the incision site or in case of a dull aching pain in abdomen get a basic ultrasound to check for hernia.
In my opinion you can run the 10 km marathon and with progressive loading hoping to see you run a full marathon in due course of time.
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Brendon,
It's your life,you should achieve your life goals. Hernia is not a fetal disease. Keep your mind free of hernia.
Scientifically, after any wound closure maximum tensile strength regain, is only 70% of the original one. If you are not participating in any marathon, nobody can assure you that you will not have a hernia in future.
In my opinion you should participate and maintain a healthier lifestyle with no smoking,no alcohol, no junk foods, no avoid cough and cold and any urinary symptoms.
Next Steps
Avoid thinking about hernia. Participate in Marathon.
Health Tips
Marathon is your life goal, a chance of hernia should not win.
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You can run marathon but avoid lifting heavy weights or any activity that increases abdominal pressure like chronic cough etc. Avoid straining while passing stools.
Next Steps
Consider your workout based on these possibilities.
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You can run the marathon without any problem
No risk of hernia for running only
Dont lift heavy weights
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Dr. M Roshan
General Surgeon
14 yrs exp
Sagar
Hello Mr Brendon.
Running increases intra abdominal pressure which might cause hernia.
So definitely we cant say whether you will develop hernia.
But risk will be there.
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