When Do You Need Hernia Surgery?
At first, maybe you barely noticed it—a slight bulge in your abdomen. You may have even been able to “push it back” into place. But then came the dull ache and feeling of pressure on the area.
Suddenly, a sharp pain.
These are some of the typical symptoms of a hernia, which is a common condition, but also one that is often misunderstood.
But when do you need hernia surgery, and do all hernias need surgery?
At Conway Medical Center, we recognize that hernias must be carefully monitored, and that’s why we have a healthcare team dedicated to providing the care you need with compassion from physicians who are leaders in their field. If you believe you have a hernia, contact your primary care provider to have them evaluate your condition. We’ll work with them so your whole healthcare team can provide a care plan to alleviate your discomfort and distress.
We’ll examine what can cause your hernia, and which type you may have. Fortunately, our innovative robotic surgery can help you, providing state-of-the-art care with minimally invasive techniques that provide a faster recovery.
What Is a Hernia?
Your organs hold your muscles in place. On occasion, those muscles can break down, and one of your organs protrudes through the muscle wall. That’s a hernia.
While they can appear anywhere on your body, they are more common in the area between your chest and hips.
What Are the Signs You Have a Hernia?
Do you have a dull pain when lifting? Do you see the protruding bulge that we mentioned earlier? These could be indicators that you have a hernia.
Be aware: Swelling can not only be painful, but it can grow. That’s why it’s vital to contact your primary care provider
When Do You Need Surgery for a Hernia?
What size is your hernia? Fortunately, if it’s a small one—and it’s not growing—you won’t need immediate surgery as long as it’s not causing you pain and problems.
But don’t breathe a sigh of relief just yet–your hernia issue isn’t over.
Most of the time, hernias do get bigger, and it’s very likely that it will cause trouble down the road. Don’t try to put it off or “tough it out.” Untreated hernias can lead to potentially serious complications.
Complications of an Untreated Hernia
One of those complications is strangulation. This occurs when the bulging tissue is squeezed by the muscle wall. As a result, the blood supply is cut off and the tissue begins to die.
Symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Intensifying pain
- A bulge that turns red or purple
This is why we generally recommend surgery, even if your hernia does not appear to be causing you any trouble right now.
How Long Can You Wait to Have Hernia Surgery?
There is no one timeline for all hernias. When you need surgery depends upon a lot of factors including:
- How large the hernia is
- How long you’ve had it
- The type of hernia it is
- The extent of your symptoms
As we mentioned earlier, if you have a smaller hernia, you may not need surgery right away, but you can’t delay it indefinitely.
Even with smaller hernias, it’s crucial to be on the lookout for symptoms such as pain, difficulty passing stool, or swelling; these can be indicators of complications.
Will My Hernia Go Away on Its Own?
No, it’s important to remember that a hernia will not go away without some kind of intervention.
We recognize that no two patients are alike and there are various types of hernias. Therefore, the question “How long can you wait to have hernia surgery?” is best answered by your physician after evaluating your particular case.
Do All Hernias Need Surgery?
As we mentioned earlier, your hernia will not get better on its own and the longer it remains untreated, the more likely it is to grow and cause complications—some of which could be very serious.
Every hernia does not need immediate surgery, and in cases of smaller hernias with minor symptoms, you may be able to wait. However, because hernias typically get larger, all hernias need surgery. While the hernia may not be causing extensive problems at present, there’s a high likelihood that it will create problems eventually. You don’t want to wait and take this risk.
When Does a Hernia Need Surgery?
Your doctor is your best resource as to when it’s time for your hernia to be removed. As we’ve mentioned, all hernias will need to have surgery, but there are times when the need for surgery is more immediate. This is when you have symptoms such as:
These include when you have symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Making everyday activities difficult
- Increasing size
- Discomfort
There are also two situations—incarceration and strangulation—where immediate surgery is needed.
Incarceration occurs when the tissue is trapped and is unable to go back into the abdomen. Because this can cause serious complications like bowel obstruction, it’s important to have surgery as soon as possible.
We mentioned strangulation earlier. It is a medical emergency. It occurs when the blood supply is cut off to part of the intestine or other tissue. It’s crucial to have immediate surgical intervention. Symptoms of strangulation include:
- Fever
- Sudden, intense pain
- Nausea with or without vomiting
- A hernia bulge that transforms into the colors purple or red
- Inability to have a bowel movement
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s vital to get medical attention immediately—go to the nearest emergency room.
Is My Hernia Large Enough for Surgery?
So, what if your hernia isn’t that big? Maybe you don’t need immediate surgery. But your hernia will likely grow into a larger one where intervention becomes more crucial.
The decision to have hernia surgery isn’t based on size alone. There are several other factors to consider. These include symptoms, your age, your overall health, and the type of hernia (some hernias are more prone to complications than others.)
If your hernia is growing, then surgery may be the best solution to avoid more serious health issues later.
Because most hernias grow in size, it’s best to discuss your situation with your doctor so they can keep an eye on your condition. However, if you’re having symptoms that are affecting your everyday life, then surgery is warranted regardless of the size of your hernia.
Medium to large hernias larger than two centimeters are much more likely to require surgery, especially if they are causing pain or discomfort. Remember: The larger a hernia becomes, the more likely it is to require surgical intervention.
What Are the Different Types of Hernia?
Not sure about what type of hernia you have? We’ll outline some of the most common hernias. These include:
An inguinal hernia
In men, this is located in the groin area. In women, this is in the area affecting the ligament that supports the uterus. Men are more likely to have an inguinal hernia than women.
A femoral hernia
Located in your inner thigh, this hernia is made of fatty tissue or part of the intestine.
Umbilical hernia
In this case, the hernia protrudes from the belly button.
Hiatal hernia
In a hiatal hernia, the stomach pushes through the chest cavity. This means there is a hole or opening in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the abdomen from your chest. The most common hernias are inguinal or femoral.
How Do I Know If My Hernia Needs Surgery?
We look at several factors to determine if your hernia needs immediate surgery.
First and foremost is its size and the extent of your symptoms. As we’ve mentioned, we recommend that you eventually have hernia surgery to repair even the smallest ones because they are prone to grow. Once they do, there is a much greater probability that you’ll have worsening symptoms.
What Types of Surgical Techniques for Hernia Repair Are Options for Me?
Concerned about having surgery? We understand. It can be an intimidating venture, but we want to ensure you that you are in good hands with our surgical team. During your surgery, we’ll place the material that is “leaking” out into its proper position, and then stitch it back together. If the muscle is weak, a mesh may also be added for support.
Fortunately, with our state-of-the-art equipment, we can perform hernia surgeries laparoscopically with the aid of the daVinci Surgical Robot.
This incredible piece of medical technology connects the surgeon’s hand movements to small medical instruments. As a result, he or she has an unobstructed view of the surgical area. All surgery is done through a sophisticated computer interface.
The result? The latest advancements in minimally invasive surgery. This means patients can have surgery with only a few small incisions as opposed to a longer “open” incision. The daVinci Robot is perfect for hernia repair. It’s also used for:
- Removing the gallbladder
- Conducting weight loss surgery
- Removing all or part of a kidney
- Reconstructing a kidney
- Removing all or part of the prostate.
Conway Medical Center: A Partner in Your Care
Our medical team is dedicated to your health. We are pleased to be able to offer elective surgeries, and we want you to know that we are taking every precaution to ensure your safety and well-being.
It’s important that you don’t delay in scheduling an appointment for your surgery, as a delay can cause more serious complications later. Talk to your primary care provider for more information. If you think you may have a hernia or you need more information, contact us today.
The information in this article and the other articles on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.
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