It is generally recommended that hernias should be repaired as soon as possible, as hernias can become worse over time and lead to complications. In most cases, an operation for a hernia should be performed as soon as it is diagnosed.
If the hernia is small and not causing any pain or discomfort, the doctor may recommend that it be monitored and watched carefully for changes instead of operating immediately.
Operation for a hernia is usually considered when it causes significant pain or discomfort, when it begins to enlarge and when it causes other problems such as blocking the intestine or cutting off circulation in the area.
In some cases, surgery may be recommended even if the hernia is not causing any symptoms. For example, a hernia that is located near a vital organ or artery may need to be repaired even if it is not causing any symptoms.
Before deciding if and when to operate, the doctor will consider the patient’s overall health, the size and location of the hernia, and any risks associated with the surgery. Ultimately, the patient and the doctor should make a decision together regarding when to operate on the hernia.
How do you know when it’s time to have hernia surgery?
The decision to have hernia surgery is an individual one and should be made in consultation with your doctor. The primary indication of the need for hernia surgery is when a hernia is causing pain and/or other symptoms such as discomfort, a sense of heaviness, or bulging in the area.
Additionally, some hernias can appear to enlarge over time or become more tender or uncomfortable. Hernias can also grow to the point where they may lead to complications such as incarceration (where the hernia is “trapped” and the intestines become trapped within the hernia), or strangulation (where the blood supply to the intestines can become blocked).
In these cases, surgery is usually recommended to avoid serious consequences. Depending on the type of hernia, it is possible to let a hernia remain for a period of time without needing surgery. However, it is important to continue to monitor the hernia, and if symptoms worsen, surgery should be considered.
How do I know if my hernia needs surgery?
If your hernia is causing pain, swelling or other symptoms, or is growing larger, it is likely that you will need to have surgery. When deciding if surgery is necessary, your doctor will take into considerations such things as the size of the hernia, your age and general health, the type of hernia and whether it has been interfering with your daily life.
If you have an inguinal hernia, which is common, it’s especially important that you get it surgically corrected. This is because this type of hernia may become entrapped or stuck in the inguinal canal, which could cut off the blood flow, cause serious complications and require emergency surgery.
On the other hand, small hernias that don’t cause any symptoms or problems may not always require surgery.
If your doctor recommends surgery, they can provide detailed information on the risks and potential complications. Surgery is not a risk-free procedure and other than rare complications, can have associated risks such as infection, excessive bleeding, and a reaction to anesthesia.
Make sure to discuss all of your concerns and questions with your doctor prior to making a decision to undergo surgery.
When should I be worried about hernia pain?
Hernia pain can vary significantly and should be monitored closely. If the pain is associated with heavy lifting or exercise, it is typically normal but you should still watch for continuing discomfort.
However, if the pain is persistent and/or getting worse, this can indicate a more serious problem. Additionally, if the pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, or fever, then it may be a sign of a hernia that requires medical attention.
It is also important to pay attention to any change in the appearance of the area around the hernia, such as swelling or bruising. Generally, if the pain is worsening or accompanied by other symptoms, it is best to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
What to do while waiting for hernia surgery?
If you are waiting to have hernia surgery, it is important to take care of yourself and manage any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing. Here are some tips on what to do while you are waiting:
1. Stay active: Even though you are waiting for surgery and may be experiencing some discomfort, it is still important to stay active to the best of your ability. Gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, or biking can help strengthen the muscles in the area of the hernia and can help reduce pain.
2. Avoid heavy lifting: If your doctor has recommended that you avoid activities related to heavy lifting, stick to the advice. Doing so will help prevent further injury and help protect the area until surgery.
3. Get plenty of rest: Make sure to get adequate sleep and rest after participating in physical activities. Getting enough rest enables your body to heal and will help reduce any discomfort.
4. Change your diet: Eating a diet filled with fresh vegetables and fruits may be beneficial before and after hernia surgery. Eating a diet rich in fiber and protein can help promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Additionally, try to avoid processed, fatty, or sugary foods that can increase inflammation and discomfort.
5. Take your medications: If you are taking any medications for hernia discomfort, nausea, or other related symptoms, make sure to take them as prescribed.
6. Follow up with your doctor: Make sure to follow up with your doctor during the time before and after your hernia surgery. They can provide additional advice, answer any questions, and adjust medications if needed.
How can I stop my hernia from progressing?
The best way to stop a hernia from progressing is to follow your doctor’s advice and take the appropriate steps to reduce your risk factors. Start by modifying your diet to reduce your amount of saturated fats and processed foods.
Increase your fiber intake by eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. If necessary, talk to your doctor about nutrition counseling or supplementing with probiotics.
In addition to dietary modifications, it is important to maintain a healthy weight and physical activity level. If you are overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about ways to safely and effectively lose weight to reduce the risk of a hernia progressing.
Exercise can help reduce abdominal pressure and strengthen the abdominal muscles, which can help prevent a hernia. Develop an exercise plan that incorporates both aerobic and strength-training activities.
Finally, quit smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking is associated with an increased risk of hernias, so avoiding it is critical for prevention. It is also important to avoid heavy lifting and straining as this can increase the chance of a hernia progressing.
Talk to your doctor about how to safely perform routine tasks that involve lifting or straining.
What causes a hernia to worsen?
A hernia can worsen for a variety of reasons, such as increased abdominal pressure from coughing, sneezing, straining, or lifting heavy objects. All of these activities can increase the pressure within the abdomen, forcing the hernia outward and causing it to become larger and more noticeable.
Chronic constipation can also increase abdominal pressure and worsen a hernia over time. Weak abdominal muscles can also make a hernia more likely, as the muscles are more likely to give way when pressure is applied.
Additionally, age-related weakening of the tissues that make up the abdominal wall can also increase the chance of getting a hernia, and can make existing hernias harder to manage. Finally, a hernia can also worsen if it is not properly treated, or if the person experiences unusual abdominal trauma or strain.
What happens if you let a hernia go too long?
If you let a hernia go too long without treatment, it can cause serious complications. The hernia can become trapped or incarcerated, cutting off the blood supply to the hernia, which can cause the hernia to become strangulated.
Strangulated hernias are a medical emergency and can cause extreme pain and require immediate surgery. Hernias can also lead to obstruction of the intestines, which can impair the function of the intestine and may require removal of the hernia and part of the intestine.
Hernias can also increase the risk of infection, which can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious damage or even death if not treated. Long-term complications of untreated hernias can include chronic pain or bowel obstruction.
Finally, hernias can increase the risk of other health problems if left untreated for too long, such as increased pressure on nearby organs.
What does a hernia flare up feel like?
A hernia flare up can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Depending on the type of hernia, the pain and symptoms will vary. Common signs and symptoms of a hernia flare up often include:
-Sharp, stabbing, or burning pain, usually in the abdomen, groin, or lower abdomen
-A bulge or lump that may be permanently visible or appear and disappear depending on activity
-Swelling or tenderness in the affected area
-Discomfort when lifting or straining, coughing, or sneezing
-A feeling of pressure or fullness in the affected area
-Weakness or a sense of heaviness in the affected area
-Pain and discomfort that can increase when standing or straining, and may diminish when lying down
In some cases, a hernia flare up may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms. It is important to seek medical attention if any of the above symptoms are present, as a hernia can be a serious medical condition.
How long can a hernia go untreated for?
It is not advisable to leave a hernia untreated, as it can cause significant discomfort and can lead to serious consequences if left untreated for an extended period of time.
A hernia should be treated when it is first detected, as this will reduce the risk of serious complications. Without treatment, a hernia can become incarcerated, which means that the intestine or fatty tissue may become stuck and unable to move.
This can lead to the tissue not receiving enough oxygen, which can cause gangrene, infection, and ultimately lead to death in the tissue. Furthermore, an untreated hernia can develop a strangulated obstruction, which is a more serious problem in which a portion of the intestine is trapped and blocks the flow of blood, cutting off other parts of the bowel.
This can cause infection, organ damage, and the risk of death.
In addition to the possible serious medical risks, an untreated hernia can cause significant discomfort. This can include pain, tenderness, or a lump in the area of the hernia, as well as nausea, vomiting, and/or constipation.
Although some hernias may not need immediate medical treatment and may heal on their own, you should always consult a doctor if you suspect you have a hernia. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best course of treatment to help manage your condition and reduce the risk of any medical complications.
What are the symptoms of a severe hernia?
The symptoms of a severe hernia can depend on the type and location of the hernia, but there are some common signs and symptoms to look out for.
The most common symptom is a lump or bulge around the groin or abdomen. This bulge can cause pain when bending over or lifting heavy objects, or the affected area may be tender to the touch. Other symptoms may include pain or discomfort when coughing, sneezing, or straining during a bowel movement.
Additional signs of a hernia could include nausea and vomiting, difficulty urinating, or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. If the hernia is strangulated, then it is considered an emergency and the individual may experience severe pain and nausea, as well as vomiting, fever, and a rapid heartbeat.
This could lead to gangrene if not treated quickly.
If these symptoms are experienced, medical attention should be sought immediately.
What is the most life threatening hernia?
The most life-threatening type of hernia is a strangulated hernia. A strangulated hernia occurs when a hernia, which is the protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weakened or torn area of muscle, constricts the blood flow to that organ or tissue.
This constriction of blood flow can be potentially serious and even fatal, as it can cause the organ or tissue to become necrotic. Symptoms of strangulated hernia include severe abdominal pain, tenderness or mass, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency, and treatment is usually immediate surgery.
What should you not do with a hernia?
It’s important to remember that if you are having any symptoms of a hernia, you should visit your doctor or surgeon as soon as possible. You should not take matters into your own hands and try to treat or manage your hernia at home.
You should never attempt to push your hernia back into your abdomen as this is not only impossible to do, but also very dangerous. While some forms of exercise may be able to strengthen the abdominal muscles and potentially reduce hernia symptoms, you should always consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine.
Some activities should be avoided, as they may possibly worsen a hernia. These activities include vigorous straining, such as heavy weightlifting and activities like running and jumping that put excess strain on the abdominal wall.
Additionally, you should avoid any activities that put pressure on the hernia, such as coughing, sneezing, and heavy lifting.
Do hernias progressively get worse?
It depends on the type of hernia and the individual’s circumstances. Some hernias, such as inguinal hernias, can worsen over time if left untreated. An inguinal hernia occurs when part of the intestine bulges through an abdominal wall muscle or the surrounding tissue.
Without surgical intervention, the hernia will gradually increase in size over time and cause discomfort and pain. Strangulation of the intestinal tissue by pressure from the surrounding muscles can also occur if a hernia is left untreated.
Other types of hernias, such as hiatal hernias, may worsen or remain unchanged after diagnosis. While hiatal hernias cause chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and heartburn, they typically do not need surgical treatment and can often be managed with over-the-counter medications and lifestyle modifications.
Is it better to have hernia surgery early?
It depends on the individual’s circumstances and the advice of their physician. For some people, surgery to repair a hernia may be recommended as a preventive measure, if it is likely to progress and cause more severe problems in the future.
For others, it may be better to wait until the condition worsens and causes pain or other problems before having surgery. In general, it may be better to have surgery a bit earlier rather than later, since the condition may worsen over time and also may become more difficult to repair.
The decision of when to have hernia repair surgery should be based on individual factors such as the type of hernia, the severity, the patient’s age, the overall health and lifestyle, and the advice of the doctor.
With hernias, the goal is usually to prevent complications, so early detection and treatment is usually recommended. It is important to discuss any concerns or fears with the doctor so that they can best advise on when surgery may be appropriate.