A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body, such as an organ or fatty tissue, pushes through a weakness or abnormal opening in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue wall. This protrusion typically forms a noticeable bulge, often in the abdomen or groin area. While some hernias may cause discomfort or pain, others might present with very few symptoms or none at all, raising the question of whether one can live with them for an extended period.
What is a Hernia?
A hernia develops when contents from one body cavity push through a weakened area, often in the abdominal wall. Common types include inguinal, umbilical, and hiatal hernias.
Inguinal hernias, the most frequent, protrude into the groin, predominantly affecting men. Umbilical hernias appear near the belly button, seen in infants and adults due to abdominal strain. Hiatal hernias involve part of the stomach pushing into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. Incisional hernias can develop at a surgical wound site that has not fully healed.
Factors Influencing Living with a Hernia
For some, particularly men with inguinal hernias, “watchful waiting” may be considered. This approach monitors the hernia without immediate surgery, typically for small hernias causing minimal or no symptoms that do not limit daily activities. The decision depends on factors like the hernia’s size, location, and if it can be easily pushed back into place.
Symptom presence and severity play a role; persistent pain or discomfort often leads to surgical intervention. Overall health and surgical risks also influence this decision. While watchful waiting is safe for select cases, patients should be aware of potential complications and that symptoms may worsen, eventually requiring repair.
Recognizing Complications
While some hernias remain stable, others can develop complications. An incarcerated hernia occurs when protruding tissue becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back. Symptoms include a lump that does not disappear, localized pain, tenderness, and potentially gastrointestinal issues like nausea or vomiting if bowel tissue is involved.
A more severe, life-threatening complication is a strangulated hernia, where blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off. This presents with acute, worsening pain at the hernia site, often accompanied by redness or darkening of the skin, fever, and signs of bowel obstruction like severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement. A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency; lack of blood flow can lead to tissue death and infection.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Consulting a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan is important, regardless of symptoms. A doctor can evaluate the hernia through physical examination to determine its type and characteristics. This assessment helps discuss risks and benefits of management options, including watchful waiting versus surgical repair.
Delaying professional advice or attempting self-diagnosis can be dangerous, given the potential for severe complications like incarceration or strangulation. Medical professionals, particularly general surgeons, specialize in diagnosing and treating hernias, guiding patients through the decision process. Early intervention, when appropriate, can prevent the hernia from worsening and lead to better outcomes.