Untreated Hernia

This is a question that we are asked very frequently and we think that it is important enough to bear a thorough explanation.

The first thing to understand about an untreated hernia is that the only effective treatment is surgery. No other form of treatment will prevent the consequences of not having surgery. Other treatments such as diet, exercise, trusses, belts, briefs, medications and vitamins of little use.

Over time all hernias get bigger, never smaller. Over a long enough period of time hernias may reach huge proportions and may essentially contain all of the intestines and abdominal organs leaving the abdominal cavity empty and collapsed. Once this happens the situation is irreversible and the hernia cannot be fixed. If an attempt is made to repair the hernia and replace the organs and intestines into the abdominal cavity lung failure usually results. This is because increased pressure within the abdominal cavity pushes the diaphragms up resulting in collapse of the lungs.

Small hernias are easier to repair than large hernias. The surgery is quicker, less complicated and the recovery is easier and faster. Also the long term results are better with smaller hernias, larger hernias having a higher recurrence rate.

Any hernia large or small can become strangulated. This is a situation where a portion the intestines trapped within the hernia is strangled and its blood supply is cut off. Losing its blood supply the intestine becomes gangrenous and then ruptures. Ruptured intestine is as bad or worse as a ruptured appendix and requires emergency surgery. The symptoms of this are severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting. Any hernia patient with these symptoms should go straight to the nearest emergency room.

The purpose of repairing a hernia is to avoid these serious complications. In the vast majority of patients hernia repair surgery can b preformed safely and with excellent long term results. With rare exception we never tell a patient not to get their hernia fixed.