Yes, a hernia can burst. A hernia happens when an organ, tissue, or fat from the abdomen pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. When this happens, the intestine may get trapped in the weak spot and become a walled off sac.
Unfortunately, if in this sac the intestine gets twisted and cut off from its blood supply, the intestine can burst, leading to severe pain, nausea, vomiting and fever as well as the potential for emergency surgery.
It is important to seek medical advice immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
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What are the symptoms of a burst hernia?
The symptoms of a burst hernia may vary depending on the location and size of the hernia, but they typically include sudden and intense pain, nausea and vomiting, swelling and/or discoloration in the affected area, and difficulty moving or walking due to pain.
In some cases, an individual may be unable to move the affected area or feel a mass or bulge in the area, and may even experience fever or chills. In severe cases, if a hernia is left untreated, an individual may experience shortness of breath due to incarceration, strangulation, or obstruction of the intestines or other organs in the abdomen.
Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention quickly if any of these symptoms present themselves, as hernias are typically treated with surgery.
How do you know if your hernia burst?
If you suspect your hernia has burst, you should seek medical attention immediately. Signs and symptoms that may indicate your hernia has burst include sudden, intense pain in the hernia area, heavy bleeding, dark or discolored urine, fever, nausea and vomiting, pain that radiates down your leg, and swelling and tenderness in the hernia area.
If left untreated, a burst hernia can lead to serious complications, including an obstruction in the large intestine, a bowel rupture, fever, and the potential to become septic. If you experience any of the listed symptoms, it is very important that you seek medical attention right away.
How long can you go with a ruptured hernia?
A ruptured hernia should be treated immediately, as delay can result in further complications or infection, and can even be life-threatening in some cases. It’s important to contact your doctor if you suspect a hernia, to determine if hernia repair is necessary.
If a hernia is not adequately repaired, potentially serious complications can arise and cause chronic, long-term problems afterwards. Hernias may become strangulated, meaning the contents of the hernia become trapped within the hernia sac and the blood supply is cut off.
Furthermore, an untreated hernia may increase in size over time, potentially leading to other medical concerns. Without medical intervention, it can be too dangerous to go on with a ruptured hernia.
When should you go to the ER for a hernia?
Going to the ER for a hernia is recommended when you are experiencing symptoms that are severe or associated with other serious symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, fever, or vomiting. If you experience any of the following, it is best to go to the ER right away:
• Severe pain in the area of the hernia
• Inability to reduce (push) the hernia back into place
• Redness, warmth, or swelling around the hernia
• Bloating in the abdomen
• Vomiting or nausea
• Fever
• Difficulty urinating
• If a part of the intestine becomes stuck in the hernia, this is a medical emergency and should be addressed in the ER immediately.
Additionally, anyone who is pregnant, elderly, has untreated hernias for a long period of time, has recently had surgery, is having difficulty breathing, or is having a difficult time urinating should seek Emergency Room care right away.
What happens if you wait too long to fix a hernia?
Waiting too long to fix a hernia can lead to serious complications. The hernia can become strangulated or incarcerated, meaning the loop of intestine or other tissue becomes trapped and cannot be reduced back in.
This can cut off the blood supply to the part of the intestine, leading to serious health consequences. Additionally, the hernia can become so large that it will be more difficult to operate and more difficult for the soft tissue to heal.
Furthermore, if left untreated, hernias can cause recurrent pain and nausea, leading to a decreased quality of life. Thus, it is important to seek medical attention for a hernia as soon as possible to avoid possible complications.
Can you live with a hernia for a long time?
Yes, it is possible to live with a hernia for a long time. Although the exact amount of time can vary depending on the individual, it can take many years before complications related to the hernia arise, if any.
Additionally, in some cases, a hernia may not cause any major issues or need to be treated until a later age.
The risks associated with living with a hernia for an extended period of time include a worsening of symptoms, an increase in pain, or a risk of a hernia becoming strangulated. Strangulation occurs when a section of tissue becomes trapped in the hernia, cutting off its blood supply.
If left untreated, the tissue can die, leading to complications such as infection and sepsis, so it is important to be aware of any changes in the hernia.
Also, hernias can lead to persistent discomfort or pain that can have an impact on quality of life. Therefore, if you have a hernia, it is important to discuss any questions or concerns you have with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
How many hours does hernia surgery take?
The amount of time a hernia surgery can take varies greatly depending on the type of procedure and severity of the hernia. Simple hernia repairs usually take around 1-2 hours, while more complex surgeries can take up to 4-5 hours.
During the procedure, patients will be given general or local anesthesia to reduce pain and discomfort. After the surgery, patients may stay in the hospital overnight or be discharged the same day, depending on the kind of hernia repair they had and their medical condition.
Recovery time is generally between 1-2 weeks and may involve some light activity restrictions. Patients should follow their doctor’s instructions and make sure they are receiving the necessary follow-up care to ensure the hernia doesn’t come back and to ensure a complete recovery.
How long do you have to stay home after hernia surgery?
It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for length of recovery time and activity restrictions following surgery for a hernia. Generally, you can expect to need about two weeks of recovery time.
You will need to stay home for at least the first week to allow your body to properly heal and rest, with a few periodic trips outside for short walks only. Your surgeon may recommend that you avoid lifting anything heavy, and will likely avoid intense activity and straining your abdominal area.
If your hernia was repaired with mesh, you may need to limit strenuous activity longer, such as no heavy lifting greater than ten pounds, swimming, or any activity that puts tension on the abdomen. Following surgery, you should also watch for signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent abdominal pain, redness, swelling, or tenderness around the surgical site).
If at any point you experience an increase in pain, swelling, or redness, please contact your surgeon immediately.
What kind of doctor repairs hernias?
A hernia repair is typically performed by a general surgeon. The surgeon will diagnose the type of hernia and recommend a course of treatment. Depending on the type, the surgery may involve repairing the hernia with sutures, mesh, or another material, or other techniques such as a laparoscopic approach, where instruments are inserted through small incisions in the abdominal wall.
After repair of the hernia, the surgeon will usually recommend a period of rest and refraining from lifting or strenuous activity for a period of time.
Can a ruptured hernia heal itself?
A hernia is when a portion of an organ, typically the intestine, pushes through a weakened area in the wall of the containing cavity. Unfortunately, once a hernia is ruptured, it cannot heal itself without surgical intervention.
It can worsen, however, and the hernia can continue to enlarge due to ongoing strain on the weakening area of the wall of the containing cavity. If a hernia becomes enlarged and the organ becomes trapped or “incarcerated,” bowel obstruction or strangulation may follow.
That is why it is important to consult with a medical professional and arrange for surgery rather than trying to fix the issue on your own. Surgery is the only way to repair the weakened area and ensure the hernia does not recur.
Is hernia repair major surgery?
Yes, hernia repair is considered major surgery. Depending on the type of hernia, the surgeon may use either open or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. The open surgery typically requires general anesthesia, an incision to be made in the abdomen to access the hernia, and stitches to repair it.
Keyhole surgery requires a few small incisions that allow the surgeon to fix the hernia with surgical tools. In either case, a hospital stay is often needed and the recovery process can be quite lengthy.
Additionally, potential risks and complications associated with hernia repair include infection, ongoing pain, recurrence, organ and nerve damage, adhesions, and bleeding, so it is important to discuss these with the surgeon before electing the surgery.
Is a ruptured hernia an emergency?
Yes, a ruptured hernia is an emergency situation that requires immediate medical attention. A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. If a hernia ruptures, it can cause severe pain, nausea, and vomiting.
If left untreated, a ruptured hernia can lead to entrapment of organs, tissue death, and sepsis, all of which can be life-threatening. Therefore, anyone with a ruptured hernia should seek medical help immediately.
Treatment may involve medication, surgery, or other methods depending on the severity of the hernia.
What type of hernia is life threatening?
A life threatening type of hernia is a strangulated hernia. This occurs when the hernia becomes twisted, trapping an organ inside. This often leads to a decrease in blood flow, infection, and tissue death in the affected area.
Strangulation of the intestine can lead to severe complications as the intestine is cut off from its blood supply, including parts of the intestine dying and an intestinal blockage. Other complications may include bleeding, infection, and sepsis.
Symptoms of strangulated hernia may include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, and in severe cases, shock. Seeking medical attention is essential as soon as possible if strangulated hernia is suspected.
Can hernia cause sudden death?
No, a hernia itself does not cause sudden death. However, it is possible for a hernia to cause complications such as an incarcerated hernia, which can lead to a life-threatening medical emergency if left untreated.
An incarcerated hernia occurs when part of the intestine becomes trapped in the abdominal cavity, preventing it from passing through a weakened or torn area of the abdominal muscles. This can cause significant pain and can lead to ischemia and necrosis of the herniated tissue, as well as obstructing the intestines and leading to further complications.
If a doctor is not notified immediately and given the opportunity to treat the hernia, the resulting complications could ultimately lead to sudden death. Therefore, it is important to recognize signs and symptoms of a hernia and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
