Q: How do I know if my hernia requires surgery?
A: If you think you or a loved one has a hernia, the best next step is to seek expertise from a health care provider who sees hernias on a daily basis. This evaluation and the actual diagnosis of a hernia can often be done with a simple physical exam in the office. It doesn’t require extensive testing or lab work.
If you suspect you have a hernia, seeking this clarity is a critical step because a hernia can cause life-threatening complications if left untreated – including the internal organs becoming twisted, blocked or infected. Your hernia may or may not get worse, but it’s important to have your hernia evaluated by a specialist, even if your plan is to hold off on surgery.
(READ MORE: Ask a doctor: Is it necessary to immunize my son?)
(READ MORE: Ask a doctor: I’ve had a mole on my arm my whole life. Could it become cancerous?)