Any hernia has to be operated on?

Expert answer:

Yes, every umbilical and inguinal hernia should be operated, unless the person has some contraindication for surgery, such as serious illness or under 5 years of age. Other than these exceptional cases, all hernias have to be operated on.

This is because, although it is possible to live with a hernia for years, without any complications, at any moment there may be a hernia strangulation and the hernia can "burst."

The bottleneck is complication most serious of a umbilical hernia or inguinal hernia, since it can cause the death of the patient due to a generalized infection.

Hernial strangulation occurs when the intestine gets stuck in the opening that allowed its extravasation and can no longer return into the abdomen.

If this is not treated urgently, this part of the intestine becomes "strangled" and stops receiving oxygen through the blood. The result is a gangrene (necrosis), which causes death of this intestinal loop.

With the rupture of this part of the intestine, liquids and feces that were inside the organ extravasam to the abdomen, being able to cause a generalized abdominal cavity infection which can be fatal.

Read too:

Inguinal hernia: what is the surgery and recovery after surgery?

Can a hernia return after surgery?

Does strangulation of the hernia cause symptoms?

Hernia strangulation causes the following symptoms:

  • Continuous and intense pain for several hours at the hernia site;
  • Abdominal distension (coughing);
  • Loss of appetite;
  • Nausea;
  • Vomiting.

In the presence of these symptoms, seek medical attention urgently for surgery.

It is important to remember that bottlenecks can occur in Small and large hernias, even if the hernia has days or years.

Such complication can occur anytime and is unpredictable. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that all inguinal and umbilical hernias be operated.

For more information, consult a doctor who specializes in gastro-surgery.

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