Don't Ignore the Ache: 3 Crucial Signs It Is Time for Hernia Surgery

A hernia develops when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle wall. It may appear as a visible lump or bulge when you strain, lift, or cough.

At his Sacramento, California, practice, Steven Patching, MD, performs hernia repair surgery using advanced laparoscopic and robotic techniques. Our team helps you understand your treatment options and what to expect.

Not every hernia requires immediate surgery, but at some point, postponing treatment may no longer be safe or practical. Here are three signs it might be time to see a surgeon.

1. It is getting harder to manage the pain

Initially, a small hernia may cause only mild, occasional discomfort or pressure that improves with rest. You might not feel any pain. But there’s no guarantee it will remain that way.

Unlike many other injuries, hernias cannot heal on their own. Normal abdominal pressure continually pushes tissue through the weakened area, preventing it from healing and causing it to grow larger over time.

Pain that becomes more frequent or intense, or doesn't improve with rest, may indicate that your hernia is worsening. If discomfort begins to limit your daily routine or keep you from activities you enjoy, surgery may significantly improve your quality of life.

2. The bulge no longer responds to gentle pressure

A reducible hernia flattens or disappears when you lie down or gently press on it. Depending on its size and your other symptoms, this type of hernia may not require immediate surgery.

If the bulge can’t go back, it indicates a more serious issue called incarceration. This issue happens when tissue gets stuck outside the abdominal cavity and can no longer move back in. 

An incarcerated hernia can be extremely painful and lead to complications like bowel obstruction and strangulation, life-threatening conditions that require emergency surgery. Prompt medical care is essential, especially if the bulge feels firm, tender, or swollen.

3. You develop sudden or severe symptoms

Incarceration becomes an emergency when pressure from the surrounding abdominal wall cuts off blood supply to the trapped tissue. Known as strangulation, this loss of circulation can quickly cause tissue death and serious infection.

Seek emergency medical care if you experience:

• Sudden, severe, or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• The inability to pass gas or move your bowels
• Fever or chills
• Red or purple discoloration

These symptoms require immediate evaluation. Emergency surgery may be necessary to release the trapped tissue, address any damage, and repair the hernia.

Is it time to address your hernia?

Some small hernias cause no symptoms and remain stable for years. Once symptoms develop, however, repairing the hernia before it grows larger may help you avoid a more complex operation down the road.

Dr. Patching can assess your condition and determine whether surgery is necessary. Take the first step and reach out online or by phone today to schedule a hernia repair consultation.