If you wait too long to get surgery for a hernia, the risks and consequences of not getting the surgery can increase. This can include potential for incarceration of the hernia, leading to pain and discomfort, as well as increasing the risk of infection.
If untreated, the hernia can continue to enlarge, putting pressure on surrounding tissue and organs, and potentially leading to the hernia becoming strangulated. That means the hernia becomes twisted and blocks the blood supply to the area in which it is located, which can lead to serious complications and even death.
Additionally, long-term delays in getting hernia surgery can result in a much more complex procedure than would have been necessary if treated earlier. As a result, the recovery time can be much longer and significantly more painful than if the procedure had been done earlier.
Ultimately, if you suspect that you have a hernia, it’s important to get it evaluated and treated as soon as possible in order to minimize the risks involved.
What happens if you let a hernia go too long?
If a hernia is left untreated for too long, complications can arise that can cause serious health problems. Some of the potential complications include the hernia becoming strangulated, the tissue of the hernia dying, and infection.
If a strangulated hernia is left untreated, it can cause the hernia to become trapped or blocked, resulting in a dangerous buildup of pressure. This can lead to digestive fluids and other waste products backing up, which can cause nausea, vomiting, or even gangrene.
Becoming infected is also a risk of a hernia that is left untreated. Infections can cause the hernia to become more pronounced and painful, and in some rare cases, can possibly require surgery to heal.
In extreme cases, the infection can even spread and become life threatening. For these reasons, it is important for hernias to be addressed in a timely manner.
How long can a hernia be left untreated?
A hernia can often be left untreated for a short period of time, but it is important that it is attended to by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. The larger the hernia, the more likely complications are, and they can become more serious if the hernia is left untreated.
If a hernia is not treated and is allowed to progress, it can cause severe symptoms such as pain, nausea, and vomiting. It can also cause decreased blood flow, strangulation of the bowel or other parts of the body and even organ failure.
Depending on the type of hernia and its location, it can even be life-threatening if left untreated. As a result, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as a hernia is suspected, as this can help prevent further progression of the hernia and ensure the best possible outcome.
Can you live with a hernia for years?
Yes, you can live with a hernia for years. However, the longer you wait to get a hernia repaired, the greater the chances of complications. A hernia can manifest itself in different ways, such as pain in your abdomen, difficulty urinating, or a bulging area beneath your skin.
While a hernia is often not dangerous and can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications, it should still be evaluated by a doctor to determine the best course of action. If left untreated, a hernia can lead to complications such as a strangulated hernia, where the hernia becomes stuck and the organ or tissue it contains cannot be returned to the abdomen.
This might require surgery to remove the hernia, and can lead to tissue necrosis, or death of the affected tissue. In addition, if a hernia is left untreated for years, the chances of a successful repair are reduced because the hernia may become much larger and weak areas of the abdominal wall can spread.
Therefore, it is best to get a hernia evaluated by your doctor and if recommended, get it repaired as soon as possible to reduce the risk of complications.
Is it OK to ignore a hernia?
No, it is not OK to ignore a hernia. Hernias can be painful, and if left untreated, can grow and become increasingly painful. A hernia may also cause an obstruction of your intestines and lead to serious, life-threatening complications.
Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention for a hernia, even if you think it may be minor. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or exercising more, to help reduce the risk of further hernias.
Additionally, they may recommend surgery to repair the hernia if they feel it is necessary. Ignoring a hernia could lead to bigger health concerns and should not be taken lightly.
What are the signs of a serious hernia?
The signs of a serious hernia typically include pain in the area of the hernia, such as a pulling sensation in the groin area, abdomen or back, depending on the type of hernia. Other symptoms may include a noticeable lump or bulge in the affected area that may appear with straining, burning or aching sensation at the site of the lump.
Bulging in the area may be more pronounced when coughing, lifting or exercising. In addition, nausea, vomiting, constipation or difficulty having a bowel movement may be indications of a serious hernia.
In some cases, a hernia may cause weakness, pressure or an aching sensation in the area. Any of these symptoms should be checked by a doctor as timely intervention is important in hernia repair.
When does a hernia become an emergency?
A hernia becomes an emergency when it is strangulated, meaning it is cutting off the flow of blood to the herniated organ or tissue. This typically occurs when the hernia is left untreated for an extended period of time or if it becomes suddenly twisted or blocked.
Symptoms of a strangulated hernia include severe pain in the affected area, vomiting, nausea, fever, and tenderness. If these symptoms are present, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately as the hernia must be treated quickly and efficiently to prevent the possibility of the organ or tissue being damaged permanently.
How do I know if my hernia needs surgery?
It is important to speak with a doctor to determine whether or not your hernia needs to be surgically repaired. The decision to fix a hernia is based on a number of factors, including: the type of hernia, the size, the location, and any associated symptoms.
Some factors that may warrant surgery include: an incarcerated hernia, in which the hernia is trapped and unable to reduce, a large hernia that is not reducible, and the hernia causing long-term pains or other symptoms.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a hernia, it is important to monitor it over time. Keep your doctor updated on any changes in size, tenderness, and discomfort associated with the hernia, and be sure to get regular checkups to evaluate the hernia and monitor any possible changes.
In some cases, surgery may be recommended if the hernia is causing pain or if it is enlarging. Depending on the type of hernia, you may need to have surgery to repair a weakened area in the abdominal wall to help prevent the hernia from getting larger.
Your doctor can discuss your options with you and help determine if surgery is right for you.
How urgent is hernia surgery?
The urgency of hernia surgery depends on the individual. Generally, hernias that have been diagnosed as “reducible” (meaning they can still be pushed back in) can be monitored by your doctor and can usually wait a few weeks before surgery.
However, if the hernia is non-reducible or has caused or is causing discomfort or other symptoms, hernia surgery may be recommended straight away as it is not safe to leave a non-reducible hernia untreated.
If the hernia has become strangulated or obstructed, then surgery is considered to be urgent and may need to be performed as soon as possible. If the hernia has become strangulated or obstructed, the tissue within the hernia may be damaged due to restricted blood supply and delicate organs can even become irreversibly injured, meaning surgery is more urgent.
It is important to seek medical advice from your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms related to hernia, as they will be able to advise on the best course of action for your individual circumstances.
When should I go to the ER for a hernia?
If you are experiencing severe pain or other concerning symptoms associated with your hernia, you should seek immediate medical attention at the ER. Additional signs or symptoms that warrant an ER visit include:
– Severe pain that is persistent and increasing
– Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the affected area
– Vomiting
– Fever
– Trouble passing stools or gas
– Severe gastrointestinal discomfort
– A lump that contains fluid or tissue
– Inability to urinate
It is important to note that an ER visit is only necessary if the hernia is causing severe distress or you are experiencing concerning symptoms. If the hernia is small and does not cause significant discomfort, you can usually consult with your primary care physician or a hernia specialist.
In either case, you should be evaluated for the hernia as soon as possible.
Is hernia surgery a big deal?
Hernia surgery is usually not a really major procedure when it is done for repair, but it can be if there is a complication or infection. Generally, hernia surgery is a relatively simple procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis with minimal risk to the patient.
The surgeon will make a small incision, relocated the organ or tissue that has protruded, and simply stitch it back in place. In most cases, the patient can expect to make a complete recovery with no long-term complications.
However, there are some cases where hernia surgery can be more complicated and involve more severe risks. Anytime a large or complex hernia is repaired, there is the possibility that the surgery may have to be performed in a hospital setting and may require a longer recovery period.
If a patient is having complicated hernia surgery, it is important that they speak with their surgeon prior to the operation to make sure they understand what is involved.
What tests are done before hernia surgery?
Before hernia surgery, your doctor may perform certain tests to determine the cause and extent of your hernia. These tests may include an X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. Depending on the type of hernia you have, your doctor may also order blood tests or other laboratory tests to determine if other treatments are necessary before surgery.
Your doctor may also order a cardiogram to assess your heart health prior to the procedure. Additionally, he or she may request other medical tests to determine any underlying medical conditions that could interfere with the surgery or postoperative recovery.
Lastly, your doctor will likely conduct a physical examination and review your medical history to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo hernia surgery.
Can a hernia burst?
Yes, a hernia can burst. This sometimes happens when a hernia becomes large and is not treated. A hernia burst occurs when the hernia sac containing fat or intestine tears, allowing the hernia contents to spill into the abdominal cavity, causing inflammation and severe pain.
Symptoms of a ruptured hernia include rapid abdominal distention, severe abdominal pain and nausea. If a hernia is not treated and continues to enlarge, it can eventually burst, which can be a potentially life-threatening emergency.
Therefore, it is important to seek medical help immediately if the symptoms are present, to prevent complications from the burst hernia.
What does a hernia flare up feel like?
A hernia flare up can feel like an intense, sharp, or aching pain localized to the area where the hernia is located. This pain can get worse with activity or when you press down on the area of the hernia.
Other symptoms of a hernia flare up can include nausea, vomiting, bloating, a feeling of fullness, or difficulty passing gas or having a bowel movement. In more severe cases, hernia flare-ups can also cause fever and sweating.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important that you contact your doctor right away.
Which type of hernia is serious?
All types of hernias can be serious, depending on the severity of the condition. A hernia occurs when part of the body pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that normally holds it in place.
Hernias can be caused by a variety of factors, including a congenital defect, or injury. However, some types of hernias, like femoral hernias and incisional hernias are more likely to require urgent or emergency care because of their complexity and the potential for serious complications, such as incarceration or strangulation.
Femoral hernias are those that occur near the groin area, while incisional hernias occur at the site of a previous surgery. These types of hernias can become serious very quickly, as the pressure from the muscles and/or tissue surrounding the hernia can cause the organ located in the hernia sac to become trapped inside – a condition referred to as incarcerated hernia.
As such, it is important to pay close attention to symptoms and call for immediate medical attention if pain or discomfort increases or any other concerning symptoms arise.
