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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Surgery Needed For Moderate Hernia On The Right Without Any Other Symptoms?

I am 78 yrs old and active. playing softball several times a week, etc. My family doctor sent me to a surgeon after detecting a possible inguinal hernia on the right side after doing the usual cough test. He asked about any symtoms I might have and I indicated I had none. The surgeon indicated I had a moderate hernia on the right and a slight one on the left after doing the cough test. He recommended laproscopic surgery for both. No other test were conducted. I have doubts about the necssity of the surgery with no symtoms. What do you think?
Tue, 8 Sep 2020
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

The hernia does not produce symptoms unless it is large enough to protrude through the external inguinal ring. There are various precipitating factors which raise the popping loops of intestine to more prominent over the surface of the groin
- Coughing
- Abdomen distension as constipation
- Urinary retention
- Weight lifting or other strenuous activities

It is best recommended to undertake the ultrasound report of the abdomen and pelvis with the size evaluation for the hernia defect involving both of the inguinal regions. The surgery is recommended in certain situation like:
- Persistent discomfort
- Increasing size of hernia
- Patient concern

- Morbid obesity
- Activities requiring straining abdomen
- Sudden increase pain, vomiting or signs of obstruction, incarceration

Following conditions need not to be operated unless and until indicated:
- Persistent small size
- Absolutely no discomfort
- No abdomen pressure activities
- Patient concern
- Absence of highly active life style
- Lean and thin patient maintaining body weight

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel, General Surgeon
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Is Surgery Needed For Moderate Hernia On The Right Without Any Other Symptoms?

Hello, The hernia does not produce symptoms unless it is large enough to protrude through the external inguinal ring. There are various precipitating factors which raise the popping loops of intestine to more prominent over the surface of the groin - Coughing - Abdomen distension as constipation - Urinary retention - Weight lifting or other strenuous activities It is best recommended to undertake the ultrasound report of the abdomen and pelvis with the size evaluation for the hernia defect involving both of the inguinal regions. The surgery is recommended in certain situation like: - Persistent discomfort - Increasing size of hernia - Patient concern - Morbid obesity - Activities requiring straining abdomen - Sudden increase pain, vomiting or signs of obstruction, incarceration Following conditions need not to be operated unless and until indicated: - Persistent small size - Absolutely no discomfort - No abdomen pressure activities - Patient concern - Absence of highly active life style - Lean and thin patient maintaining body weight Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel, General Surgeon