Hernias come in many different forms and sizes, and not all of them require surgery right away. That being said, a hernia will not heal on its own, and the only way to fix a hernia is with surgery. So should you undergo an operation right away if you suffer a hernia, or can you take a wait and see approach?
There are a number of factors that help to determine if you should have the surgery performed or if you may be able to delay an operation. Below, we take a closer look at which factors suggest you should have hernia surgery performed sooner rather than later, and which factors suggest you can delay your operation.
Can I Delay Hernia Surgery?
The following information is general in nature and should not be used in place of a specific diagnosis by a hernia specialist. The following factors only suggest that you may be able to delay surgery, not that you should.
The decision to delay hernia surgery should only be made after consulting with your physician or a hernia surgeon. They will be able to make the best recommendation as to whether you can delay surgery. With that said, some factors that may allow you to delay hernia surgery include:
- The hernia is small
- You aren’t experiencing any symptoms (other than visible bulge)
- Symptoms are minimal, and you are not an ideal candidate for surgery
- You are not at risk for hernia strangulation
Essentially, if you are dealing with a minor hernia, you may be able to delay surgery. However, certain everyday activities like exercising, sneezing, coughing and going to the bathroom can all make the hernia larger. You may be able to put it off until after vacation or when you’re laid off for the season, but the majority of people eventually undergo an operation to address their hernia.
Hernia Surgery Can’t Be Delayed
On the flip side, there are some factors that suggest you should not delay your hernia surgery. There is a difference between emergency hernia surgery and the decision to not delay hernia surgery, and in this case, we’re focusing on factors that suggest surgery is not an emergency, but is recommended in the near future. If any of these factors are present, your doctor will likely recommend that you schedule a hernia surgery in coming days or weeks.
- The hernia is large
- The hernia is causing moderate or severe symptoms
- The hernia is negatively affecting your daily life
- You are at a greater risk for hernia strangulation
- You are a child or teen
The last point is important, because children and teens are not recommended to delay hernia surgery. Because intestines and muscles walls are still growing and developing, the presence of a hernia can cause serious problems, and they have an increased risk of hernia incarceration or strangulation.
St. Paul Hernia Surgeon
At the end of the day, individuals with minor hernias may be able to put off surgery for a little bit, but most people eventually have the operation performed. The sooner you undergo the operation, the quicker you can get back to a normal life and regular activities, which is why most people choose not to delay the operation. For more information about hernia surgery, or to talk to a specialist about your hernia, reach out to Dr. Koeplin’s office today.
