Hernias are a common medical condition that can affect people of all ages. They form when fatty tissue or part of an organ gets pinched through a small opening in the muscle or tissue holding it in place.
Hernias are not usually life-threatening. But they can cause pain and discomfort and may require surgery to repair.
Here, Dr Devesh Kaushal dives into the topic of hernia repair. You’ll learn more about hernias and what signs to look for that indicate they may need to be fixed.
What is a hernia?
Some of the most common types include:
- Inguinal hernia occurs in the groin. It arises when tissue from the abdomen bulges through the groin muscles. Nine out of ten hernias are inguinal hernias. They tend to affect men more than women.
- Hiatal hernia develops when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through the diaphragm, the muscle separating the chest from the abdomen.
- Femoral hernia also occurs in the groin area, specifically near the crease where the thigh meets the abdomen. It’s less common but more frequent in women than in men.
Does a hernia always need to be repaired?
Not every hernia needs surgery right away. The decision to fix a hernia depends on its size, location, and the symptoms it’s causing.
If the hernia is small and causes no discomfort, your doctor might suggest you “watch and wait”. That means monitoring it rather than immediate surgery.
However, hernias do not get better by themselves. Eventually, most hernias need fixing.
Some of the risks of leaving a hernia untreated include:
- Incarceration: This means the protruding tissue can become trapped in the weak spot, causing pain and obstruction.
- Strangulation: This serious complication cuts off blood supply to the trapped tissue. This can lead to tissue death. Strangulated hernias need emergency surgery.
- Enlarged hernia: Over time, hernias tend to get bigger. This may cause more pain and increase the complexity of surgical repair.
Do you need hernia surgery? Signs to watch out for.
Here’s a breakdown of when surgery might be recommended:
- Larger hernia: A bigger hernia can lead to bigger complications.
- Increasing pain: If the pain of your hernia gets worse, your doctor may suggest surgical repair to prevent further complications.
- Strangulated hernia: This is a medical emergency. It happens when the protruding tissue loses blood supply, which can lead to tissue death. If you experience sudden, severe pain near a hernia, nausea, vomiting, or a bulge that turns red or purple, seek immediate medical attention.
A qualified surgeon can best advise you on whether you need hernia surgery. They will consider your specific situation, including the type and severity of your hernia, overall health, and activity level.
Sources
- Inguinal Hernia: Should I Have Surgery Now, or Should I Wait? https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=za1162. Accessed July 19, 2024.
- Hernias – Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hernias. Accessed July 19, 2024.
- Hernias of the Abdominal Wall – Gastrointestinal Disorders – MSD Manual Professional Edition. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/acute-abdomen-and-surgical-gastroenterology/hernias-of-the-abdominal-wall?query=abdominal wall hernias. Accessed July 19, 2024.