Hernias don't go away on their own. Only surgery can repair a hernia. Many people are able to delay surgery for months or even years. And some people may never need surgery for a small hernia.
Absolutely Yes! If your hernia is not causing pain or discomfort – it is possible to live with your hernia. One must remember that there is a risk of an emergency (incarceration or strangulation) from any hernia. A painless hernia typically (but not always) will start causing discomfort prior to an emergency.
If it is left untreated, a strangulated hernia can lead to life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis (severe inflammation of intestine) and sepsis. Since hernias can happen to anyone at any age, knowing warning signs of hernias and being aware of them are essential.
But because hernias tend to grow larger or cause symptoms over time, most men will require surgery within 10 years of hernia diagnosis. There are two surgical treatments for inguinal hernias.
Indeed, many hernias go unnoticed and undiagnosed for years, decades or even the remainder of the patient's life. Asymptomatic hernias, as they are known, do not warrant treatment, in most cases, because we simply do not know they exist, but also because the risk of strangulation is very low.
If your hernia does not bother you, most likely you can wait to have surgery. Your hernia may get worse, but it may not. Over time, hernias tend to get bigger as the muscle wall of the belly gets weaker and more tissue bulges through. In some cases small, painless hernias never need repair.
Inguinal hernias are more common in certain age groups. Among adults, the chance of having an inguinal hernia increases with age, and inguinal hernias are most common in people ages of 75 to 80. Among children, inguinal hernias are most common in those between the ages of 0 and 5 years.
A small hernia may never bother you much. But hernias do tend to grow bigger over time. The opening continues to weaken and stretch, and more tissue gradually pushes its way through. The more tissue pushes through, the more likely it is to become incarcerated, leading to pain and other complications.
An inguinal hernia is a common disease; however, a malignant tumor within the inguinal hernia sac is rare, and perforated colon cancer in the hernia sac is extremely rare.
But some people may suffer chronic, long-term pain that lasts years, according to Dr. Robert Bendavid, a surgeon specializing in hernia repair at the Shouldice Hospital in Ontario, Canada.
Sudden or worsening pain
Some hernias cause pain or sensations like aching, heaviness, or weakness. If you notice sudden pain or pain that's gotten significantly worse, it could be a sign of a severe hernia complication called strangulation.
A hernia usually does not go away without surgery. Non-surgical approaches such as wearing a corset, binder, or truss may exert gentle pressure on the hernia and keep it in place. These methods may ease the pain or discomfort and may be used if you are not fit for the surgery or awaiting surgery.
It may be safe to exercise with a hernia, but caution should be taken. To prevent additional stress on your hernia, focus on activities that won't strain that area. It is not recommended to perform exercises or lift routines that strain or pull the abdominal area when suffering from abdominal hernias.
Pressure or a feeling of fullness – you may feel a sensation of pressure or fullness in the affected area, especially when standing or lifting heavy objects. Nausea or vomiting – in some cases, a hernia can cause nausea or vomiting, especially if it is causing an obstruction in the digestive tract.
See a GP if you think you have a hernia. They may refer you to hospital for surgical treatment, if necessary. You should go to your nearest A&E straight away if you have a hernia and you develop any of the following symptoms: sudden, severe pain.
When might I need emergency surgery? Seek immediate medical attention if there are signs that your hernia has become stuck or strangulated, which can be life-threatening and usually requires emergency surgery. Signs of this condition include: A hernia bulge that is suddenly larger than before.
This tear then allows a part of the intestine to bulge out and this is usually most noticeable when standing. Most hernias will fall back into place when someone lies down. Hernias tend to get bigger with age so seniors may find their hernia has grown larger with age.
A hernia can affect the intestines, which may cause a change in digestion and bowel movements. People may experience constipation or narrow, thin stools. In severe cases, constipation with a hernia may indicate intestinal obstruction.
The lifetime risk to develop an inguinal hernia is 27-43% for men and 3-6% for women. In spite of all advances, 11% of all patients suffer from a recurrence and 10-12% from chronic pain following primary inguinal hernia repair.
In some cases, if the hernia is small, doesn't grow and doesn't cause any pain or problems, then surgery may not be needed immediately. However, it's important to realize that most of the time, hernias do get larger.
Open hernia repair is a major surgery that's performed with the aid of general anesthesia or local anesthesia and sedation. It's done through one or two standard-sized incisions (three to six inches in length) that allow the surgeon to fully visualize and access the problematic area.
In cases where the hernia is very small and not causing symptoms, you may be able to monitor and treat it with lifestyle changes and medical care for a short period before needing surgery. It's important to understand, however, that hernias do not heal on their own and they will almost always require surgery.