The best time to get your hernia fixed is as soon as you can. This is due to the potential complications associated with inguinal hernias. Complications can include blocked blood supply to the intestine, tissue strangulation, and inflammation.
It is important to consult with your doctor to determine the right time to get your hernia fixed. Depending on the type of hernia, you may not need immediate medical attention, but you should let your doctor know all of your symptoms, so that he or she can make an informed decision.
If the hernia is uncomfortable, is increasing in size, or if it is causing you pain, it is probably best to have it fixed as soon as possible.
How do you know when a hernia needs to be fixed?
It is important to evaluate whether a hernia needs to be fixed or not based on the severity of the symptoms and your doctor’s recommendation. In general, most hernias need to be fixed because they can cause health problems in the future.
If a hernia is causing pain, difficulty moving, difficulty breathing, or noticeable bulging of the area either in the upper thigh or abdomen, it is likely that a hernia will need to be fixed.
When it comes to hernias, there are two popular types of procedures that can be used to fix the problem. The first is a laparoscopic procedure, where a camera and small instruments are inserted through several small incisions to repair the hernia from the inside.
The second option is an open surgery, where a large cut needs to be made in the abdomen. Depending on the size, location and other factors, your doctor may recommend one of these two options.
Surgery does have risks, so it’s important to discuss all of the options with your doctor before deciding to move forward with a procedure. Additionally, your doctor may suggest alternative treatments such as preventing any strain on the hernia and using medications or supplements.
With the combination of consultation from your doctor, lifestyle modifications and monitoring, hernias can often be managed without surgery.
At what point should a hernia be repaired?
Generally speaking, a hernia should be repaired when it causes discomfort or other complications. For example, a hernia that is not causing pain or other symptoms may not need immediate repair. However, certain types of hernias, such as a hiatal hernia, can cause additional complications and may need to be repaired sooner.
Additionally, hernias that occur in newborns and infants commonly need to be corrected shortly after their diagnosis, as they can potentially lead to more serious issues such as bowel obstruction. Ultimately, the decision of when to repair a hernia is best left between the patient and their doctor, who can develop an appropriate treatment plan.
What happens if you don’t fix your hernia?
If you neglect to fix your hernia, you are at risk of serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Not fixing your hernia can lead to the hernia becoming strangulated, which means the blood flow to the protruding organ is blocked, preventing blood from getting back into the body and creating a serious medical emergency.
If the hernia becomes strangulated, it can cut off the oxygen supply to the affected area and it can cause pain, infection, swelling, discoloration and open sores. Without treatment, the tissue in the hernia may die, which could result in organ damage and even sepsis.
Additionally, you put yourself at risk of developing a recurrent hernia in the same area if you don’t have a hernia repaired.
How long can a hernia go untreated?
It is not advisable to allow a hernia to go untreated for any length of time. If left untreated, hernias can become larger and more painful over time, as well as become more difficult to repair. Eventually, without treatment, it can lead to dangerous complications, such as strangulation or incarcerated hernia, both of which require emergency surgery to repair.
A strangulated hernia can cause tissue death due to a lack of blood supply and can lead to infection, which can be fatal.
Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as a hernia is noticed, as it can be improved with lifestyle changes and possibly even repaired without surgery. In serious cases, hernia surgery may be necessary, and the sooner any complications can be addressed, the better.
Is hernia surgery a major surgery?
Hernia surgery is considered a major surgery and generally requires a hospital stay as well as a post-operative recovery period. The extent of the surgery depends on the type of hernia and can range from a small laparoscopic operation, which is minimally invasive, to open surgery with a larger incision.
Hernia surgery can be quite invasive, however, and typically involves repairing the weakened or injured abdominal muscles or tissue and reinforcing that area with the help of a synthetic mesh. Depending on the type of hernia, the procedure may also involve repositioning of the intestines and/or other organs or tissues.
The risks associated with hernia surgery can include infection, bleeding, anesthesia complications, post-operative pain, and possible recurrence of hernia. As a result, hernia surgery is typically not recommended unless other treatment options have been explored and found to be unsuccessful.
Is it OK to live with a hernia?
It is generally safe to live with a hernia, but it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for management and treatment. If the hernia is small and not causing any noticeable discomfort or pain, you may not need to do anything.
Your doctor may recommend that you avoid any activities or movements that could make the hernia worse. It is also important to make sure that the hernia does not become strangulated, which can be a medical emergency.
If a hernia becomes strangulated, it can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting and tenderness in the affected area. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact a doctor immediately. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a hernia.
If a hernia is left untreated, it can lead to a number of other issues such as obstruction of the intestines, infection, and blood flow problems. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or symptoms related to a hernia.
How painful is hernia surgery?
Hernia surgery is usually considered a relatively minor procedure and usually described as uncomfortable, rather than painful. Each individual’s experience of pain may vary, but common pain relief methods such as topical anesthetic creams, numbing injections, or a combination of both, may be used to help make the experience more comfortable.
In some cases, general anesthesia may also be administered.
Surgery does bring about some types of discomfort. This may include a hernia incision feeling tight and uncomfortable, a burning sensation from the numbing injections, tugging and pressure from the surgery itself, and generalization pain from the procedure.
Muscle pain around the hernia may also happen.
On the whole, the degree of discomfort post-surgery should not be too severe. In most cases, pain should be kept under control with over-the-counter or prescription medications as needed. Even after the surgery is completed, general aches and pains may be present for up to a week or two.
What tests are done before hernia surgery?
Before a hernia surgery, patients typically go through a series of tests to determine the health and fitness of the patient. The tests may vary depending on the patient’s individual circumstances and the type of hernia.
Generally, a full physical, blood tests (such as CBC, electrolytes, kidney and liver function), and possibly imaging studies (such as X-rays and CT scans) are done. The doctor may also perform an electrocardiogram (EKG) to evaluate the heart, an echocardiogram (ECHO) to evaluate the heart’s function, and possibly a urine test.
For some patients, additional tests may be required depending on their medical history or other risk factors. These tests may include a pulmonary function test, preoperative antibiotics or other medications to improve the patient’s risk profile, ventilation testing, or other tests deemed necessary by the doctor.
Prior to the actual surgery, the doctor may also test blood sugar levels and blood pressure, to provide a baseline and monitor changes while under anesthetic and/or during the hernia repair.
In general, the tests before a hernia surgery help the doctor determine whether the patient is healthy enough for the procedure and whether there is an increased risk of complications.
What are the first signs of a hernia?
A hernia is an abnormal protrusion of an organ or part of an organ such as the intestines, through a weakened area of muscle or tissue in the abdominal wall. The primary sign of a hernia is a bulge or lump in the affected area.
Depending on where the hernia is located, you may notice a lump in the groin, navel, or other area in the abdominal region. Other common signs and symptoms of a hernia include discomfort or pain in the area, which can range from mild to severe, a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the area, or an aching or burning sensation.
You may also experience nausea, vomiting, or difficulty passing stool or gas. In some cases, you may be able to physically manipulate the hernia and make the bulge go in and out of the area. If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Is it better to have hernia surgery early?
Generally, it’s considered best to have hernia surgery as soon as possible. It’s recommended for individuals who experience hernia-related pain, difficulty in physical activity, a bulging in the area of the hernia, or any other condition which hinders the ability to perform normal daily activities.
This is because untreated hernias can worsen and cause more issues, such as digestive tract blockages or obstructed blood flow in the area. Additionally, surgery can help reduce the risk of hernia-related complications such as gangrene, which is a life-threatening condition.
Early hernia surgery can also offer the opportunity for a faster recovery and involve less invasive techniques. It’s always best to discuss your options with a doctor who specializes in hernia surgery, who can provide tailored advice on the best time to proceed with surgery.
How soon should you have hernia surgery?
The decision to have hernia surgery should be based on the severity of the hernia and the individual’s age and health. Generally, surgery is recommended to repair a hernia when it has become severe enough to pose a risk for serious complications, such as entrapped or strangulated intestinal tissue.
In general, most hernias will require surgery; however, if possible, it may be beneficial to wait until the individual is strong enough to successfully recover from the surgery, which may be a factor in determining the timeline.
Additionally, hernia repair may require additional tests, such as an abdominal imaging or lab work, to ensure the individual is a good candidate for the surgery.
The best timeline for hernia repair surgery may ultimately depend on the individual and should always be discussed with the doctor. Generally, the doctor may recommend a surgery as soon as possible, depending on the severity.
However, small hernias may potentially be left alone, if they are not causing any pain or discomfort and do not appear to be worsening. In other cases, a doctor may recommend a watch-and-wait approach, if the hernia is not causing severe problems, until the individual is stronger and better able to tolerate surgery and recovery.
Can I delay hernia surgery?
Yes, you can delay hernia surgery, but it typically is not recommended. Hernias can become bigger, more painful and cause further complications in the future if left untreated. Surgery may also become more complex if you wait too long.
If the hernia is not causing any pain or discomfort it is probably okay to wait, but you should always check with your doctor if you are having any pain or other symptoms. Surgery can be scheduled at the appropriate time for your individual situation.
What determines if a hernia needs surgery?
Whether or not a hernia needs surgery depends on a variety of factors. Your doctor may consider the size of the hernia, any symptoms you are experiencing, if the hernia is incarcerated or strangulated, and the hernia’s impact on your quality of life.
Generally, if the hernia is causing symptoms such as pain or is increasing in size, surgery will usually be recommended. If the hernia is incarcerated, meaning the hernia sac has become trapped in the muscle tissue and is preventing blood from flowing to the area, then emergency surgery is likely to be required.
It is important to remember that hernias do not always require surgery and in many cases can be managed with lifestyle modifications and/or medications. However, it is always best to discuss the best treatment plan with your doctor.
Can you live with an untreated hernia?
Yes, it is possible to live with an untreated hernia, though it is not recommended. Over time, an untreated hernia may become increasingly painful and continue to get larger. It can also begin to put pressure on other organs, leading to further complications.
Additionally, an untreated hernia can cause the groin muscle to become stretched, which can lead to impaired mobility and difficulty walking or lifting objects. Untreated hernias can also lead to internal bleeding, infection, and in rare cases, death.
Because of the risks associated with leaving a hernia untreated, it is important to speak to a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and to discuss possible treatments.