Putting off hernia surgery can increase your risk for complications. Then again, it’s sometimes OK to wait. Leonardo Geraci, DO, a General Surgeon at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, says it’s important to evaluate each case individually. “Hernias are unique to each patient, and it’s critical to weigh the risks of waiting versus the benefits of early intervention to ensure the best outcome.” Your doctor can help you decide. Here, we highlight the different factors that determine whether hernia surgery is necessary and when you should schedule it.
What is a Hernia?
A hernia is a painful condition that happens when your intestine or internal tissue bulges through your abdominal wall. The wall of muscle protecting your abdomen is typically very strong. Unfortunately, some people are born with a weakness in that muscle wall, have a previous injury or develop a weak spot from a lifetime of straining or heavy lifting.
Do All Hernias Require Surgery?
Hernias are structural defects that don’t go away on their own. Surgery is the only way to repair them.
“Some hernias, especially smaller ones that aren’t very painful, may not need surgery immediately,” says Dr. Geraci. Instead, your doctor can take a “watchful waiting” approach. “However, over time, most hernias tend to get bigger and delaying treatment may increase your risk of complications.”
When is Hernia Repair Necessary?
Hernia repair is necessary when the hernia:
- Causes persistent pain or discomfort.
- Creates a risk of emergency complications, such as bowel obstruction or strangulation (more about that below).
- Interferes with activities such as lifting or bending.
Do I Need Emergency Hernia Surgery?
You will need emergency surgery if the tissue from the abdomen gets trapped in the hernia. This condition is a strangulated hernia. It cuts off the blood supply to the tissue and can be life-threatening.
Call 911 if you have any of these warning signs:
- You experience sudden, severe pain at the hernia site.
- The hernia becomes firm and tender, and you can’t push it back into place.
- You have symptoms of bowel blockage, such as nausea, vomiting or the inability to pass gas or stool.
How Long Can You Wait to Have Hernia Surgery?
The best time to have hernia surgery is before it becomes an emergency situation or interferes significantly with your life. “Delaying hernia repair can lead to complications that are harder to treat and increases the chances of needing a more invasive procedure,” says Dr. Geraci. You may be able to have a minimally invasive hernia repair rather than an open surgery. And that can mean a shorter hospital stay and a faster, easier recovery.
Delaying Care and Hernia Surgery Cost
Delaying surgery increases your risk for poorer outcomes, and it can lead to a much higher total cost of care. At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, we understand that financial concerns such as lack of insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses and missed work time are real. We offer resources to help you navigate insurance coverage, financial counseling and assistance, and referrals for community resources.
Is Hernia Surgery Serious or Dangerous?
Like any surgical procedure, hernia repair carries some risks, including infection and bleeding. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you. The good news is that surgeons have been repairing hernias for more than 100 years. And surgical repair techniques have improved over time.
St. Elizabeth surgeons offer minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopic and robotic surgery. These methods involve smaller incisions, less pain and faster recovery times than open surgery. Your surgeon will determine the best approach based on your hernia’s size, location and complexity.
Hernia Surgery Timeline
Once you decide to proceed with surgery, you can typically schedule it within a few weeks, depending on your surgeon’s availability.
How Long is Recovery After Hernia Surgery?
Most hernia surgeries are outpatient, and you can go home on the same day.
The St. Elizabeth hernia care team aims to help patients avoid complications and return to normal activities as quickly and safely as possible. Recovery time varies but generally includes the following:
- Rest for one to two weeks – Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity.
- Gradually return to normal activities – You can likely resume light activities within a few days.
- Expect a full return to your usual routine – Recovery takes about four to six weeks.
“At St. Elizabeth, we prioritize personalized recovery plans to make sure each patient heals safely and comfortably,” says Dr. Geraci. “Our team is here to support patients every step of the way, from post-operative care to resuming their daily lives.”
How and When to Get Hernia Surgery?
Your doctor is the best person to help you decide when to schedule hernia surgery and how to prepare. They can refer you to a general surgeon with the experience and expertise to repair your hernia with the best outcome possible.
Find a general surgeon at St. Elizabeth.
