Ask the Doctor: Dr. Jesse Hollis

Q: Do I need surgery to fix my abdominal wall hernia? 

A: There are several factors that can influence the treatment decision for an abdominal wall hernia. This includes the size, location, symptoms and health of a patient.

A small, asymptomatic hernia may be monitored closely with“watchful waiting”. However, if there is a progression of pain or discomfort, increasing size, or a limiting of activities or quality of life, then surgery is recommended to prevent complications.

These complications may include: incarceration, where the tissue gets stuck in the hernia, or strangulation, where the blood supply to the tissue is cut off). Both of these can be emergencies. Very often surgery to fix a hernia is a same-day procedure, and can be performed with a minimally invasive or robotic approach.

If you think that you have a hernia, it is recommended that you schedule a visit with your health care provider for further evaluation and to discuss treatment options.

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