Does a Hernia Always Require Surgery?

Even though around a million inguinal hernia surgeries are performed each year, it’s not a health topic that’s on the tip of most people’s tongues. The inguinal canal is at the base of your abdomen. 

We may not chat about hernias much since they’re not serious medical conditions — but they can become concerning if you don’t get the treatment you need within a reasonable amount of time.

Simply, a hernia is an abdominal bulge that develops when your intestines or soft tissue protrudes noticeably. This is because a vulnerability develops in the wall of muscles and connective tissue that typically protects them. 

Dr. Luis Quinones and the Q&S Surgical team in Decatur and Lithonia, Georgia, offer knowledgeable information on hernias and guide you to the solution that’s best for your situation. 

Many patients wonder if surgery is absolutely necessary when they suffer a hernia, and that’s a question we can answer. Dr. Quinones’ combination of experience and warmth will reassure you that you’re in the best hands under his care.

Familiarizing yourself with hernia causes and symptoms

Hernias often develop as a result of certain actions. These include:

• Straining while lifting something heavy
• Strong sneezing or coughing
• Pregnancy
• Demanding physical activity
• Straining during a bowel movement or urination
• Obesity
• Previous pelvic or abdominal surgery

Some individuals are born with an abdominal weakness and never realize it until they’re diagnosed with a hernia. 

Inguinal hernias are more frequently seen in men, while women tend to develop hernias at the point where the uterus is attached to the pelvic bone. The navel is another common spot for a hernia to emerge. 

Hernia symptoms include developing a painful lump on either side of your groin, at your belly button, or at a site where you’ve had surgery. A hernia often becomes more apparent when you stand up. You may also experience tenderness, pain, or a heavy feeling in the same spot. Men might be afflicted with scrotal pain, swelling, and redness. 

As we noted before, your hernia might become more pronounced when you laugh, sneeze, or exert yourself. 

When a hernia progresses to a dangerous point, you can suffer worsening pain that may appear quite suddenly, may be accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting, and may leave you unable to pass gas or have a bowel movement. 

These symptoms are indicators of something called an incarcerated hernia, when tissue has become trapped. An incarcerated hernia is a truly urgent condition, for which you should seek emergency care as soon as possible. 

Can I avoid surgery if I’m diagnosed with a hernia?

Generally, you can’t avoid surgery, but don’t be discouraged by the fact that this is the way to treat a hernia successfully. Once you have a hernia, your condition can’t be reversed, but strides in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery have made corrective procedures much easier for patients. 

When Dr. Quinones repairs a hernia surgically, he uses a synthetic mesh material that helps keep your displaced tissue and muscle in the correct position.  He is also using robotic assistance when performing hernia surgery. This means he has better control and an increased ability to be more precise while doing his repair work, thanks to these technological advancements.

Minimally invasive surgery is known for being associated with faster recovery and less pain, bleeding, and scarring, so a hernia repair doesn’t have to be a major trauma for your body.

If you suspect you may have a hernia, call our office closest to you today to schedule an appointment, or click online to book anytime.