The survival rate for a hernia depends on the type of hernia as well as the patient’s overall health and lifestyle. Generally, the survival rate for hernia surgery is around 98%. Complication rates are low and recurrence rates vary depending on the type of hernia and the type of repair used.
Inguinal hernias which occur in the groin area are the most common type of hernia and can be repaired with either traditional open surgery or with minimally invasive techniques. The overall success rate for these hernias with either procedure is over 95%.
Most repairs are successful, but the risk of recurrence can range from less than 10% to up to 25% depending on the type of repair.
Femoral hernias occur in the area between the abdomen and thigh and have a risk of recurrence up to 34%. Laparoscopic surgery is the most common way to repair them as it has the best long-term success rate but open repairs have greater success in the short term.
Incisional hernias occur along the incision of a prior abdominal surgery and while the risk of recurrence is low, at around 5-10%, they are more complicated to repair than other hernias. The success rate for these repairs is 81.6%.
Umbilical hernias occur near the belly button and can be treated with either open surgery or Laparoscopic techniques. The risk of recurrence for these hernias is about 10% for open repair and about 2-4% for laparoscopic repair.
The overall success rate is around 95%.
Overall, hernia surgery is a safe procedure with high success rates. Depending on the type of hernia and repair types used, the survival rate for hernia surgery is generally over 95%.
What is the life expectancy of someone with a hernia?
The life expectancy of someone with a hernia depends on the type, severity, and location of the hernia, as well as several other factors such as the overall health of the individual. For example, incarcerated hernias, which can potentially be life-threatening, require more urgent medical care than non-incarcerated hernias and have shorter life expectancies.
Additionally, people with underlying conditions such as diabetes or obesity tend to have a lower life expectancy with hernias.
In general, most hernias can be treated and repaired with surgery, and the risks involved with surgery will vary by individual. Once the hernia is repaired, the individual can then look forward to a healthier life with a normal life expectancy.
In some cases, life expectancy is extended due to better health and fewer complications with future surgeries or treatments.
Can you live for years with a hernia?
Yes, you can live for years with a hernia, although it is advised that you seek medical treatment in order to prevent any potential complications. Hernias may cause discomfort and they can sometimes increase in size over time if they are not managed and treated.
The type of hernia, as well as the severity, and the age of the person, will determine the course of treatment needed. Mild cases may require observation and lifestyle modifications such as avoiding lifting heavy objects or wearing a truss support.
In more serious cases, surgery may be the only viable option to repair the hernia. Surgery usually works, although there is still the possibility of recurrence. In rare, severe cases, hernias can become strangulated, and, if left untreated, can cause damage to the organs or cause death.
Therefore, if you have a hernia, it is important to talk with your health care provider to get the treatment and advice you need.
What happens if a hernia is left untreated?
If a hernia is left untreated, the bulge of the hernia can become larger and more painful over time. In some cases, it may cause complications, such as obstruction of the small intestine which can lead to death.
If left untreated, a hernia can also cause other long-term health problems, such as:
• Strangulation, which happens when organs or tissue inside the hernia become trapped, cutting off their blood supply.
• Gangrene, which is caused by a lack of oxygen, resulting in death of the tissue in the hernia.
• Infertility in men, which can occur if the hernia is left untreated and results in damage to the surrounding organs.
Besides health risks, leaving a hernia untreated can also cause severe physical discomfort and disability. The hernia bulge may become so large that it restricts movement and is extremely painful. The pain can be long-term and cause a loss of mobility, with physical activities and daily tasks becoming impossible.
Therefore, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you have a hernia, in order to prevent more serious complications.
What is the most life-threatening hernia?
The most life-threatening hernia is an incarceration or strangulation hernia. This occurs when part of the intestine, fat, or other tissue protrudes through the abdominal wall, trapping it in place and cutting off the blood supply.
This can cause swelling, intense pain, and other symptoms. In extreme cases, the hernia can also cause sepsis, necrosis, and gangrene. If not treated quickly, the lack of blood supply can lead to tissue death and, ultimately, death.
Surgery is the only way to fix this type of hernia.
Is it OK to ignore a hernia?
No, it is not OK to ignore a hernia. Hernia can be harmless in some cases but in more serious cases, they can worsen over time, causing extreme pain and discomfort. Furthermore, if left untreated, hernia can even cause life-threatening complications such as intestinal obstruction, bleeding, or strangulation.
If a person is experiencing symptoms of a hernia, they should seek medical attention right away. A doctor can determine the type and severity of the hernia, and recommend appropriate treatment. Treatment options vary and could include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.
Can you fix a hernia without surgery?
It is possible to fix a hernia without going through surgery depending on how severe it is. Hernias are treated with a combination of lifestyle changes, physical therapies, medicines and other non-surgical treatments.
Generally, small hernias caused by muscular weakness can be treated effectively with lifestyle modifications such as healthy dieting, exercise, and avoiding strenuous activities. There are also non-surgical treatments like special hernia trusses, bracing, and supportive garments that can help people with hernias.
Additionally, the administration of certain medicines like steroids may also help in reducing hernia symptoms in some cases. If a hernia becomes irreducible or strangulated, surgery may be the only option.
As such, it is important to consult your physician who can help you determine the best treatment plan depending on your particular hernia type and severity.
How do I know if my hernia needs surgery?
The decision to have surgery to repair a hernia is based on how bothersome it is, how rapidly it is progressing, and the other medical factors in your case. It is best to consult with a doctor to determine if surgery is the appropriate treatment option.
Some indications that surgery might be necessary include pain or discomfort from the hernia, especially when exercising, coughing, or standing for long periods; a noticeable bulge or lump in the area of the hernia; vomiting; severe constipation; or strangulated hernia (when the bulge turns dark and hard due to loss of circulation).
If you are unsure if you need surgery to repair your hernia, your doctor may recommend that you try wearing a belt to contain the bulge until it can be evaluated further. Your doctor can refer you to a hernia specialist if needed.
In addition, it’s important to remember that, in some cases, hernias can heal themselves without the need for surgical intervention.
Is hernia surgery advisable for an 80 year old?
Whether hernia surgery is advisable for an 80 year old ultimately depends on their overall physical health, the size and location of the hernia, and the potential risk posed by the hernia if left untreated.
Generally speaking, hernia surgery should only be considered if there is a risk of the hernia becoming strangulated or entrapped, which may cause complications such as tissue death, infection, or obstruction of the intestines.
If the hernia is small, reducible, and does not pose any immediate risk, it may be watched with regular follow-ups with a medical professional. However, if the hernia is large and/or symptomatic, surgery may be required.
For an 80 year old, this is especially important. The risks of hernia surgery may be greater in the elderly, so a balanced assessment and an individualized plan of care must take into consideration factors such as the patient’s overall health, the size and location of the hernia, and what risk may be posed by not doing anything about the hernia.
Ultimately, when considering hernia surgery for an 80 year old, the patient, their family, and their doctor should weigh all the pros and cons and come to a mutual decision about the best course of action for the individual patient.
How long can you let a hernia go untreated?
A hernia should not be left untreated for any length of time. While the speed at which a hernia gets worse can vary, it could lead to a potentially dangerous complication known as strangulation. This is a serious issue that can occur when part of the intestine is stuck in the weakened area and its blood supply gets cut off.
Typically, strangulation can happen within a few hours, so the sooner you seek care the better. That said, depending on the severity, some hernias may not need immediate attention, but they should still be checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
To prevent any complications, health professionals typically advise that hernias receive treatment within a few days or weeks of being diagnosed. Even if the hernia is small and not causing any symptoms, it should still be evaluated by a doctor.
What happens if you don’t get a hernia removed?
If you don’t get a hernia removed, then it can lead to a variety of potential problems. Firstly, it can become a large lump that is visible and uncomfortable. Without treatment, the hernia can become bigger and softer, making it easier to get incarcerated, or trapped in the surrounding tissue, cutting off the blood supply to the hernia.
This can cause the hernia to become inflamed and infected, and can even lead to an abscess. Living with an untreated hernia can cause long-term physical pain and functional problems, including pelvic discomfort, tenderness, vomiting, and even significant damage to the digestive system.
Furthermore, an untreated hernia can damage the integrity of a person’s muscle wall, leading to a weakening of the internal muscles and organs, potentially resulting in a hiatal hernia and organ failure.
Therefore, even though hernias are often innocuous and may not produce any symptoms, it is best if they are addressed by seeking medical attention to avoid potentially serious complications.
How do you know when it’s time to have hernia surgery?
When it comes to determining when it’s time to have hernia surgery, it ultimately depends on the severity of the hernia and its symptoms. Generally, surgery is only needed if the hernia is causing pain, is growing larger, or is restricting normal activities like bending over or lifting heavy objects.
Hernias can often be managed with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding activities that may cause further strain or discomfort, wearing a truss or supportive belt, or implementing exercise programs to strengthen the muscle.
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to alleviate symptoms, surgical intervention may be recommended. Surgery is typically the only long-term solution for hernias, as it is the only way to correct this condition and stop the hernia from worsening.
Surgery can also prevent the possibility of serious complications, such as the hernia becoming trapped in the abdominal wall or cutting off the blood supply to the affected area.
It’s always recommended to consult with your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of a hernia to determine the best course of action. Your doctor may recommend tests, such as imaging tests, to diagnose the hernia and determine if surgery is the best option.
Should you leave a hernia alone?
Whether or not you should leave a hernia alone will depend on the type and severity of the hernia. Some hernias may not require any medical intervention, but others may require treatment, either in the form of minimally-invasive surgery or medication.
So, it’s important to speak with a medical professional to determine the appropriate course of action for your hernia.
Generally speaking, small hernias that are not causing any pain or discomfort and are not getting larger may be left alone. Seeing a doctor for regular check-ups can help catch any potential changes that might be cause for concern.
On the other hand, if the hernia is causing pain, increasing in size, limiting your physical activities, or has noticeable bulging, it is typically advised to undergo some form of medical treatment. In these situations, the hernia may need to be repaired with surgery or there may be alternative treatments, such as medications or lifestyle changes, which can help to reduce the severity of the hernia.
Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to leave a hernia alone should be made in consultation with your doctor.
