When Should You Consider Surgery for Hernia? Early Signs and Diagnosis
A hernia is a condition where an organ or some internal tissue from your body parts starts bulging through a tear in the muscle located in the abdominal wall. They can be caused by many reasons, including any medical condition, lifting heavy objects, coughing, sneezing, and more. The pressure these activities put on your abdominal area may force the organ or tissue outward through the weakened muscles, thereby protruding it from the skin. Although a hernia can develop anywhere in the body, the most common region is the abdominal wall and the areas around it.
At first, hernia may not look alarming, and the doctor may prescribe you medication to treat the symptoms. However, in some cases, surgical intervention becomes the treatment option for this condition.
Does All Hernia Require Surgery?
In some cases, hernias get better on their own, while in others, medical intervention may be required. If your hernia doesn’t get better on its own, you should not delay the treatment. The longer the delay, the more likely it is to grow and cause complications. Some of them may shape into more serious health concerns.
That said, every hernia does not require immediate repair surgery. If the symptoms of your condition are very minor, they can be taken care of by medicine and other approaches. But if your hernia is large, the doctor may suggest you undergo surgery. While the hernia may not lead to an extensive problem at present, there is a likelihood it might create problems.
When does a Hernia Require Surgery?
Your doctor decides the best time when your hernia may require a surgical repair. They will diagnose your condition, and upon finding the signs and symptoms that cannot be treated through medication, they will suggest you prepare yourself for surgery. You should be watchful about the following symptoms.
- Pain
- Intrusion in your daily activities
- Increasing the size of the hernia
- Discomfort
Besides this, there are two situations when you might need immediate surgery – incarceration and strangulation.
Incarceration takes place when the tissue is trapped and unable to go back into the abdomen. It may lead to serious complications, including bowel obstructions. Therefore, it is vital to have surgery as quickly as possible. Strangulation is a medical emergency occurring when the supply of blood is cut off to the part of the intestine or other tissue. It is vital to have immediate surgical intervention in this situation. Be watchful of symptoms such as fever, sudden and intense pain, a bulge that has transformed into a red or purple color, nausea or vomiting, and inability to have a bowel movement.
If you have been experiencing any of the above symptoms before or during the treatment, contact your doctor immediately.
What Types of Surgeries are Performed to Treat Hernias?
A hernia repair surgery has become relatively common and is used as a last resort to treat the condition. Depending on the size of your hernia and additional factors, the doctor may suggest one of the two surgeries:
Open Hernia Repair
An open hernia repair surgery entails making a large incision in the problematic area and removing the hernia from the body. This surgical approach is recommended when the size of your hernia is large and it cannot be repaired laparoscopically. The recovery time is relatively longer because of bigger stitches. You may be required to stay in the hospital overnight. The surgeon will give you post-op instructions that you are supposed to follow for better recovery.
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
A laparoscopic surgery for hernia repair is a modern-day surgery performed by making small incisions and inserting a laparoscope into it to locate the hernia. This device is attached to a tiny camera that offers you a view inside the body. The doctor will inflate your stomach with a harmful gas to get a better visual of the hernia and perform the surgery.
The incisions are closed with stitches or surgical tape. This surgery is recommended when the size of your hernia is smaller. As the incisions are small, scarring is minimal.
What Happens When Hernia Surgery is Delayed?
Even if your hernia is not causing any symptoms, you should be watchful about the signs and symptoms. At the very least, it will keep growing and eventually cause symptoms. When they reach the advanced stage, it becomes difficult to treat them through medicines.
Many surgeons recommend having a hernia taken care of surgically in the early stages before the condition gets worse. Any delay in the surgery, especially after it has been recommended by the doctor, may complicate the hernia by weakening the abdominal wall or increasing pressure. Some conditions may also complicate the hernia, and if you have been experiencing any of them, it is advisable to opt for the surgery at the earliest.
- Chronic, chest-shaking coughing
- Cystic fibrosis
- An enlarged prostate
- Bad nutrition
- Being overweight
- Smoking
Takeaway
Being watchful about the early signs and symptoms of hernia is the best way to keep the problem from becoming worse. Contact your doctor if you feel discomfort.
