There are avowed procrastinators who abide by the saying: “Don’t rush me, I’m waiting for the last minute.” That might be funny if the topic was inconsequential, but getting treatment for a hernia would not be one of them. The serious risks you’re taking by not treating a hernia are no joke, and delaying needed surgery is never a good idea.
Face the Facts
All hernias need to be treated eventually. If the hernia is small and you’re having little to no symptoms, then yes, you may choose to wait after consulting with Advanced Surgeons, P.C. to make sure this is a safe option.
At some point the hernia will become larger and you will experience symptoms of pain, discomfort, a fullness in your groin or stomach, and it will eventually limit your activities. The larger a hernia becomes, the harder it is to repair.
The only lasting treatment is surgical repair. Playing the waiting game with a hernia can lead to some serious consequences, which is why it is much easier on everyone to simply get the treatment you need as soon as you need it.
Don’t Wait Until You’re Older
As we get older, our bodies struggle more and more to recover from a procedure. Waiting years can make the chances of a smooth recovery from hernia surgery more difficult. Other health issues could also interfere with having surgery, so taking care of your hernia sooner rather than later makes sense.
The Longer You Wait the Larger the Hernia
Most hernias continue to grow larger, and symptoms become progressively worse as they grow. The complications caused by a hernia also increase in severity over time.
Incarcerated Hernia
One serious risk of not treating a hernia is the chance that it could develop into an incarcerated hernia. Tissues like the intestines can become trapped in the abdominal wall, and then cannot be easily moved back into their proper place. This can lead to bowel obstruction when stomach contents are unable to pass through the intestines as they should, and this risk becomes higher as you age.
Strangulated Hernia
A strangulated hernia is rare, but is a very serious condition that can cause permanent damage. A hernia becomes strangulated when a loop of the intestines becomes stuck inside the hernia and begins to lose access to its blood supply. Contact Advanced Surgeons, P.C. immediately if you experience fever, nausea, or if the hernia turns red, purple, or generally dark in color. This is a medical emergency.
Making the Decision
Be sure you know the risks and benefits of hernia repair surgery, and don’t wait once you and Advanced Surgeons, P.C. have determined that surgery is needed. Contact Advanced Surgeons, P.C. if you are having pain and discomfort from a hernia to determine if you require any kind of additional treatment.
As always, if you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call (205) 595-8985 or request an appointment online today!