Hernia Repair Options

Seek urgent care right away for severe symptoms

Call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or seek urgent medical care if you have:

• Sudden or severe hernia pain
• A bulge that becomes firm, tender, red, or cannot be pushed back in
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever or chills
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• No bowel movement or inability to pass gas

These symptoms may indicate that tissue or intestine is trapped in the hernia. A strangulated hernia, where blood supply is cut off, is a surgical emergency.

Not always right away. Your surgeon will consider the type of hernia, your symptoms, your overall health, your activity level, and your personal goals.

Some small hernias that are not painful may be monitored. However, surgery is the only way to repair a hernia. If a hernia is painful, enlarging, interfering with daily life, or at higher risk for complications, your surgeon may recommend repair.

Your consultation is designed to help answer three important questions:

1. Is this a hernia?
2. Does it need to be repaired?
3. What type of repair is right for me?

Personalized treatment based on your hernia

There is no single repair that is right for every patient. Your surgeon will recommend an approach based on the location and size of the hernia, your symptoms, your medical history, prior surgeries, and your recovery goals.

• Open Hernia Repair: In an open hernia repair, the surgeon makes an incision near the hernia, returns the tissue to its proper position, and repairs the weakened area. The repair may involve sutures, mesh, or both.
• Minimally Invasive / Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: In a laparoscopic hernia repair, the surgeon uses small incisions and specialized instruments to repair the hernia. For some patients, minimally invasive repair may mean smaller incisions, less discomfort, and a faster return to normal activity.
• Mesh or No Mesh?: Many hernia repairs use surgical mesh to reinforce the weakened area and reduce the chance of recurrence. In some cases, a tissue repair without mesh may be appropriate. Your surgeon will explain the benefits and risks of each option and recommend the approach that best fits your condition.