Whether or not hernia surgery is worth having is ultimately up to the individual and what their goals are. For those who wish to correct the physical appearance of their hernia, the answer might be yes, but for those who are experiencing mild or no pain and would like to continue living with their hernia, the answer might be no.
Hernias that are untreated can potentially lead to further medical complications, so the decision to have the surgery or not should not be taken lightly. The most common types of hernias, including inguinal and femoral, can be treated with a fairly straightforward and common procedure, with most patients returning home within 24 hours.
While complications can arise with any type of surgery, the risks associated with hernia repair are generally low.
The benefits of hernia surgery are increased comfort, increased movement, and improved appearance. While hernia repair can be done on an outpatient basis or even laparoscopically, the success rate of this surgery is very high.
In addition, the procedure doesn’t usually require a lot of extensive recovery time and the results from hernia surgery can last for years.
Ultimately, the decision to have hernia surgery should be made carefully, taking into consideration all of the potential pros and cons. Consulting with a trusted healthcare provider should be the first step in helping decide whether or not hernia surgery is the right choice for you.
Table of Contents
What are the disadvantages of hernia surgery?
Hernia surgery can be a necessary and life-saving procedure for individuals with hernias, however, there are several possible complications and risks involved. These include general surgical risks such as infection and excessive bleeding, nerve or tissue damage, and chronic pain.
In some cases, individuals may require a second operation to repair any complications or to make the initial repair last longer. Other potential complications include intestinal obstruction, recurrence of hernia, or ongoing chronic pain due to hernia mesh.
In addition, some individuals may experience adverse reactions to the anesthesia used during the procedure. Pain and soreness can last for days to months, and some individuals may recover more slowly than others due to age or other factors.
Patients who have had hernia surgery also need to take precautions afterward to ensure proper healing, like avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a period of time after the procedure. Finally, studies have found that there is a higher risk of death from hernia surgery than from other types of major surgery.
Does hernia surgery have long term effects?
The long-term effects of hernia surgery will vary depending on the type of hernia repair that was performed. While most individuals experience resolution of symptoms and return to pre-surgery activities, there can be lingering complications if the surgery does not address all aspects of the hernia or if proper healing does not occur.
Common long-term effects include recurrence of the hernia (sometimes at the same location but sometimes in a different location), pain, infection, or hernia “bulge,” all of which may require medical attention and possibly additional surgery.
Haematomas (collections of blood) can also occur, leading to swelling of the operated area and lasting discomfort. In rare cases, if the hernia is overlooked or if treatment is delayed, complications such as intestinal ischemia (blockage) can occur at the site of the hernia, leading to higher risk of infection and potentially life-threatening conditions.
To avoid long-term effects, it is important to seek appropriate medical attention, discuss any underlying issues that could be present, and follow all post-surgical recovery instructions in order to reduce the chances of complications.
Is it OK not to fix a hernia?
No, it is not OK not to fix a hernia. A hernia is a condition where a tissue or organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or connective tissue that holds it in place. A hernia can occur in the abdomen, groin, or belly button.
While many hernias do not require treatment right away, without repair hernias can become larger or lead to further complications. Hernias can cause discomfort or pain and if not fixed, they can be dangerous.
If a hernia is not treated, the organ or tissue pushing through can become constricted, leading to a loss of blood supply. Additionally, some hernias can become incarcerated or strangulated, where the blood supply is completely blocked.
If this happens, emergency surgery may be the only way to fix the hernia. It is very important to discuss your hernia with a doctor and make sure it is properly evaluated, as some hernias need to be fixed to prevent potential health risks.
Can you have a normal life after hernia surgery?
Yes, it is possible to have a normal life after hernia surgery. Typically, people can expect a recovery time of several weeks, while more significant or recurrent hernias may take a bit longer. During recovery, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions regarding activities, such as avoiding lifting or straining until the region has had adequate time to heal.
Once healed, a person can return to their usual routine, including exercise and physical activity. In addition, they should also be aware of any post-surgery issues and watch for signs of infection or hernia recurrence.
Taking proper care of the area by abstaining from strenuous activities, wearing a supportive belt, and avoiding activities that may cause strain can also help minimize the risk for hernia recurrence.
Additionally, lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight can also help reduce the chances of developing another hernia in the future.
How many years does hernia mesh last?
The longevity of hernia mesh depends on the type and quality of the material used in its construction. Generally speaking, hernia mesh is expected to last anywhere from 10-15 years, although studies have shown that there are cases of hernia mesh lasting up to 20 years.
However, the majority will eventually degrade over time due to the breakdown of the polymer material it is made out of. Patient’s who have had hernia mesh installed may experience a fail rate within the first 5 years due to a variety of factors, including infection, hernia recurrence or migration of the mesh.
It is important to monitor the status of the mesh through regular visits to the doctor, to ensure the mesh is still in place and functioning properly.
Do and don’ts after hernia surgery?
It is important to take proper care after hernia surgery. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
DO’S
– Take your medications as prescribed by your physician
– Follow your physician’s instructions regarding activity, exercise and diet.
– Maintain good hygiene.
– If you notice any unusual signs or symptoms, inform your doctor immediately.
– Wear a supportive garment as recommended by your doctor such as a hernia belt.
DON’TS
-Avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities until you doctor clears you to do so.
-Try not to strain while pooping or coughing which may cause further stretching of the abdominal muscles.
-Avoid saunas, hot tubs and pools until you are fully healed.
-Do not ignore any signs of infection such as fever, chills, redness or excessive pain in the area.
-Do not smoke or drink alcohol during the healing process.
How do you know if something is wrong after hernia surgery?
After hernia surgery, you should keep an eye out for possible signs that something is wrong. Common signs that something may be wrong after hernia surgery include fever and chills, continuous and worsening pain in the area of the incision, increased swelling in the surgical area, redness or drainage from the incision, persistent nausea or vomiting, difficulty urinating, and abdominal pain that does not respond to painkillers.
If you experience any of these symptoms after your hernia surgery, it is important to contact your doctor right away to make sure everything is still healing correctly.
Is hernia repair a high risk surgery?
Hernia repair surgery is generally considered to be a low risk procedure. Complications from hernia surgery are relatively uncommon, occurring in about 2-4% of cases. However, like any surgery, hernia repairs can have some risks and complications, such as infection, swelling, bleeding, nerve damage, damage to other organs and structures, or reaction to anesthesia.
The risks are higher for individuals who are elderly, in poor health, or who have a history of hernia recurrence. Additionally, if the hernia repair is done laparoscopically or robotically, the risk of complications may be higher.
Risks can also vary depending on the type of hernia, the complexity of the hernia, and the individual surgeon’s experience. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with your doctor before making a decision.
Is it OK to put off hernia surgery?
Whether or not it is OK to put off hernia surgery depends on the severity of the hernia and the advice of your doctor. If a hernia is causing severe pain and other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, it should not be put off as this can lead to other problems such as intestinal obstruction or strangulation.
Generally, hernias do not heal on their own and require surgical repair to be cured. Even if a hernia is asymptomatic and appears small, it can still cause discomfort and can worsen over time. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor and get his/her opinion regarding the best course of action in your particular situation.
It is advisable not to delay hernia surgery because this can also lead to a weakened abdominal wall, which can make future hernias more likely.
How can you live with a hernia without surgery?
Living with a hernia without surgery is possible, although it is not without risk. If the hernia is small, is not causing any pain, or is not getting bigger, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or careful monitoring to prevent the hernia from growing.
If you choose to avoid surgery, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of hernia complications. These include reducing abdominal pressure and avoiding activities that can cause physical trauma to the hernia, such as heavy lifting or straining during a bowel movement.
It is important to still make healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking. Eating high-fiber foods helps promote regular bowel movements and minimize straining.
You can also reduce abdominal pressure and discomfort with support garments such as trusses, sports bras, and snug elastic bands that act like a girdle.
Make sure to monitor any changes in the hernia. If it looks or feels different, or if you start to experience persistent pain or swelling, it’s important to contact your doctor. Surgery may be required to prevent further complications.
How long can a hernia go untreated?
It largely depends on the type and severity of the hernia. In general, it is not recommended to let a hernia go untreated as there is a risk of complications, such as torn tissues or even strangulation of the hernia contents.
Nonetheless, if it is a small, sliding hernia, then it can go untreated for some time. However, since most hernias tend to get larger over time, it is generally best to have a hernia surgically repaired sooner rather than later.
Even if the hernia is small, your doctor may make a recommendation to operate on it before it gets larger and more difficult to repair. In addition, if the hernia is causing you pain or any kind of discomfort, then it should be evaluated by a doctor sooner rather than later.
Can I live with a hernia?
Yes, you can live with a hernia. Generally, hernias don’t cause any symptoms, so you may not need any medical treatment. However, it’s possible that the hernia could become painful or cause other complications.
It’s important to have your hernia evaluated by a doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication, or even surgery. Depending on the size and location of your hernia.
The doctor may advise you to avoid activities that could make the hernia worse, such as heavy lifting or any activity that puts strain on the affected area. If your hernia has recently become painful, or you have other symptoms such as fever or vomiting, you should seek medical attention right away.
How long is too long to have a hernia?
The length of time that a hernia can remain untreated depends on multiple factors, such as the type and severity of the hernia, your overall health and lifestyle, and the size and location of the hernia.
In some cases, a hernia may be small enough that it does not require treatment and can remain untreated for a long time. In other cases, the hernia may be causing pain and other symptoms, or may appear to be growing in size over time, in which case prompt medical help should be sought.
If a hernia begins to cause pain, limit physical activity, difficulties with urination, vomiting or severe constipation, becomes strangulated or otherwise is growing or causing further complications, immediate medical treatment is recommended.
The longer a hernia goes untreated, the more likely it is that it will require complex, invasive surgery, and the chances of experiencing more serious symptoms and complications will increase. For these reasons, it is important to never wait too long to seek medical help for a hernia.
How do you know if a hernia is life threatening?
It is important to seek medical assistance if you suspect you have a hernia. And some of these can be life-threatening. If a hernia is incarcerated or strangulated, it is most likely life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.
An incarcerated hernia occurs when part of the intestine becomes stuck and entrapped in the wall of the abdomen, and, as a result, can cause a severe blockage. A strangulated hernia, on the other hand, occurs when the entrapment of the intestine in the wall of the abdomen prevents proper blood supply to the affected area, leading to tissue death.
Generally, immediate medical attention and repair of the hernia is necessary when either of these occur. Signs and symptoms that could indicate a life-threatening hernia may include severe abdominal or groin pain, abdominal tenderness and swelling, nausea, vomiting, fever, or the inability to pass stools or gas.
It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with hernias and to seek medical attention if you experience any concerning symptoms.
