Hi,I am Dr. Radhakrishna (Gastroenterologist). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
I am a 59 year old, very fit male. I have an early inguinal hernia. It reduces completely overnight when I am non-weight bearing but I get a buldge as the day progresses when I am on my feet. Should I pursue getting it repaired now or wait until it becomes more severe. I am very physically active with golf, walking, bike riding, hiking and don't really want to pursue surgery and be incapacitated during the summer but also don't want to do irrepairable harm. Is there a less invasive procedure than an incision and mesh insertion? Thank you.
The main problem with hernia is that intestine can get stuck in it. Ans if so, simple hernia will turn into urgent intestine ischemia and bowels obstruction. And you never know if and when it will happen. As you are physically active person, your abdominal cavity is frequently pushing intestines through this hernia. So the surgery seems advisable at your case.
Mesh insertion is the best know method of hernia treatment and give only small percentage of recurrences. It is not a very invasive procedure. It can be done from small incision in the groin.
There is also a possibility to do it with laparoscopy (key hole surgery). Advantages of such surgery are less pain after the surgery and quick recovery. Disadvantages are that intestines injury is more possible and adhesions inside the abdomen cavity can appear and affect intestines.
Hi and welcome to hCM.
I suggest to do surgical repair even if you dont have intensive symptoms. Inguinal hernia can never pass by itself. It can be only bigger and more problematic. Especially if you are physically active. YOu ll have to do this repair sooner or later and if you wait then some serious complications may occur such as incarceration or strangulation. Surgery can be done by open procedure where 4-5cm incision is performed and mesh insrted. This is a routine today wit minimal postoperative recocery and wound scaring. ALso it can be done laparoscopicaly in many institutions. There is really no reason to avoid it.
WIsh you good health.
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Have Hernia. Should It Be Operated?
Hello! Thank you for the query. The main problem with hernia is that intestine can get stuck in it. Ans if so, simple hernia will turn into urgent intestine ischemia and bowels obstruction. And you never know if and when it will happen. As you are physically active person, your abdominal cavity is frequently pushing intestines through this hernia. So the surgery seems advisable at your case. Mesh insertion is the best know method of hernia treatment and give only small percentage of recurrences. It is not a very invasive procedure. It can be done from small incision in the groin. There is also a possibility to do it with laparoscopy (key hole surgery). Advantages of such surgery are less pain after the surgery and quick recovery. Disadvantages are that intestines injury is more possible and adhesions inside the abdomen cavity can appear and affect intestines. Hope this will help. Regards.