A doctor determines if you need hernia surgery by assessing your symptoms (pain, bulging, heaviness, interference with daily life), the hernia's characteristics (size, reducibility), the risk of complications like strangulation (fever, severe pain, vomiting, discoloration), and your overall health, often starting with a physical exam and sometimes imaging like ultrasound; surgery is generally needed if it causes significant problems or risks strangulation, but watchful waiting might suffice for small, asymptomatic ones, while complications demand immediate action.
Babowice urges you to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
Yes, a hernia can cause diarrhea, especially if it presses on or blocks the intestine, irritating it and altering bowel function, or if a hiatal hernia causes acid reflux (GERD) that irritates the gut; these digestive changes can lead to diarrhea, though constipation or gas are also possible symptoms, and urgent medical attention is needed if pain, swelling, or vomiting occur.
Sudden and severe hernia pain or tenderness can be a warning sign of a hernia sac that's stuck or strangulated. This is life-threatening, and you'll need emergency hernia surgery. Other signs that you need emergency hernia surgery include: A bulge that doesn't go back inside the abdomen as it once did.
Hernia Surgery Preparation
Preoperative preparation includes blood work, medical evaluation, chest x-ray and an EKG depending on your age and medical condition. After your surgeon reviews with you the potential risks and benefits of the operation, you will need to provide written consent for surgery.
The "6-2 rule" for inguinal hernias in children is a guideline for surgical timing: Neonates (birth-6 weeks) need surgery within 2 days; children 6 weeks to 6 months need it within 2 weeks; and children over 6 months need it within 2 months, because younger infants have a higher risk of incarceration (strangulation). For adults or older children with reducible hernias, some sources suggest seeing a surgeon if symptoms last over six weeks.
A hernia usually develops between your chest and hips. In many cases, it causes no or very few symptoms, although you may notice a swelling or lump in your tummy (abdomen) or groin. The lump can often be pushed back in or disappears when you lie down. Coughing or straining may make the lump appear.
How do you know if hernia pain is serious?
Older patients with larger, asymptomatic hernias that are less likely to strangulate are often not considered good candidates for hernia surgery. They should still see a qualified specialist to determine if this is the case, but often they are able to watch and wait.
Hernia surgery can be major or minor surgery. It depends on whether it is done through open surgery or minimally invasive surgery. Both types of surgery aim to put the protruding tissue back in place. Sometimes a type of mesh is implanted in the area to provide extra support for the weakened muscle.
If the contents of the hernia become trapped in the weak point in the abdominal wall, the contents can block the bowel, leading to: Severe pain. Nausea or vomiting. Not being able to have a bowel movement or pass gas.
Most hernias involve one of your abdominal organs pushing through one of the walls of your abdominal cavity. Hernias can occur gradually as you get older and regular wear and tear on your muscles begins to add up. They can also result from an injury, surgery or birth disorder.
Antibiotics are administered routinely if bowel ischemia is suspected.
If you are experiencing pain or have a bulge in your abdomen or groin, it is important you see a doctor. We recommend your primary care physician or a hernia specialist for consultation. Your doctor can evaluate you and advise you on the best treatment for you.
However, if the hernia contents get trapped in the defect, known as incarceration or if their blood supply is cut off, known as strangulation, we have an emergency. When blood is cut off to the contents of the hernia, they can die very quickly.
Is surgery always needed if you have an inguinal hernia? Surgery isn't always necessary. If just a little of the peritoneum bulges through the opening of the hernia and it doesn't cause any problems, surgery isn't needed at first.
If you have no symptoms, it is generally safe to wait. If you are having pain and discomfort, it is probably better to get the hernia repaired sooner rather than later. Sometimes, getting hernia surgery right away, even if you have no symptoms, can prevent the need for emergency surgery in the future.
Questions to Ask Before Hernia Surgery
Ruptured Hernia
Generally, normal activities can be resumed in a few days after laparoscopic hernia repair and a week for open hernia repair.
You may have a strangulated hernia if you have symptoms like a painful bulge or lump in your abdomen along with: Nausea and vomiting. Severe pain in your abdomen or groin that doesn't go away and gets worse.
Changes in Appearance and Function
A hernia that once receded when lying down may begin to remain prominent at all times. If the bulge becomes firm or painful, this could signal a complication like incarceration or strangulation. Additionally, digestive issues may appear or worsen over time.
Diagnosing Hernia
A: If you have a ventral hernia in the belly area, you may see or feel a bulge along the outer surface of the abdomen. Typically, patients with ventral hernias describe mild pain, aching or a pressure sensation at the site of the hernia.