Abdominal surgery involves removing, manipulating, or repairing a portion of the intra-abdominal contents or the abdominal wall. While recovery from surgery is essential for overall health, divers must take specific precautions before returning to diving.
The risk of infection is a key concern. Diving in the ocean exposes the skin to numerous microorganisms, so it is vital for surgical wounds to fully heal before diving. In addition, there is a small risk that some abdominal wounds may develop into incisional hernias, potentially leading to bowel entrapment. For this reason, it is recommended that divers avoid swimming or lifting heavy objects, such as scuba tanks, until the abdominal muscles have fully recovered — typically several months after surgery.
The recovery timeline varies depending on the individual, procedure, and surgery complexity. Generally, a minimum of several months is suggested before considering diving. This period may be extended if complications like wound infections or anemia arise. A surgeon will be best qualified to assess the wound’s healing status and determine when it is safe to resume diving. Full unrestricted clearance, including for high-intensity sports, is necessary. If there are additional concerns, a fitness-to-dive assessment by a dive-oriented physician is recommended.
Surgery can result in fatigue and reduced fitness levels. A gradual return to physical activity, guided by a doctor, can help the diver regain cardiovascular health and overall fitness.
For optimal recovery, divers are recommended to add an additional half of the recovery period suggested by their surgeon before diving again. This extra time supports rehabilitation, allowing muscles that may have atrophied to regain strength.
Finally, diving should not be the first physical activity undertaken after surgery. Physical rehabilitation (if and when applicable) should be completed first to ensure a safer, healthier return to diving activities.
Implications in Diving
For the Diver
- Divers should allow themselves time to heal and regain strength while following their physician’s directions.
- After surgery, proper nutrition and hydration are essential for recovery.
- A progressive return to physical activities under medical supervision is recommended. Diving should not be the first activity undertaken after surgery. Instead, the diver should first engage in low-impact exercises to rebuild strength and fitness before attempting more strenuous physical activities, including diving.
For the Dive Operator
- Divers with a recent history of abdominal surgery should receive clearance from their physician before returning to dive.
For the Physician
- The physician should consider the specific guidance given by the surgeon regarding when it is safe for the diver to return to diving activities. A return to diving evaluation should wait until the individual is released by the surgeon and able to conduct full, unrestricted, sustained rigorous exercise.
- A gradual return to cardiovascular exercise is recommended to rebuild stamina, with close monitoring to ensure that fitness levels are adequate before diving is resumed.
- The physician should assess the diver’s ability to manage the physical stress of diving. Diving can involve significant physical exertion, particularly during ascents and descents and during equipment manipulation.