Will a Hernia Resolve on Its Own?

They don’t always cause problems, but hernias don’t improve independently. A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue protrudes through an opening or weakened area of the muscle or tissue meant to contain it. 

The weakened muscle or tissue is the source of the problem and can’t heal independently. Surgery is the primary treatment for a hernia. But not everyone with a hernia needs surgery. 

At Transform Bariatrics in Greenbelt, Rockville, and Silver Spring, Maryland, our highly skilled general surgeon Dr. Hitesh P. Amin, conducts a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of action for a hernia.

Treatment depends on the size of the hernia, the symptoms it causes, and related complications. 

Here, we want to explain why hernias can’t resolve independently and when you need to consider hernia repair.

About your hernia

A hernia is often described as a bulge or protrusion. Though this is an appropriate description, it doesn’t accurately reflect the true cause of the hernia. The weak or torn tissue that allows the inside parts of your body to protrude out is the real source of the problem. 

Most hernias occur in the abdominal area, where an abdominal organ pushes through a weak spot or hole in the fascia — the layer of connective tissue surrounding the abdominal muscles. 

Some people are born with weakened tissue that leads to hernia. However, most people develop hernias after placing too much pressure on the abdominal tissue, like lifting a heavy object or straining during a bowel movement.

When you need hernia repair

During the early stages, most hernias don’t cause any problems and don’t require any serious surgical intervention. Over time, however, the hernia may get bigger and cause discomfort. This is when you might want to consider hernia repair.

Hernias become dangerous and need immediate repair when the protruding tissue or organ gets stuck in the hole. At this stage, your hernia may cause severe pain and cut off blood supply to the protruding tissue or organ, leading to tissue death.

During hernia repair, our surgeon pushes the protruding organ or tissue back in place and repairs the weakened part of the fascia with sutures or a surgical mesh. We perform hernia repair using robotic surgery, allowing us to fix your hernia with greater precision, flexibility, and less tissue damage (because we perform the surgery through tiny incisions). 

Life after hernia repair

Hernia repair requires some downtime. Though recovery varies, most people are back to work within a week or two. Full recovery from hernia repair may take anywhere from 2-6 weeks.

It would help to modify your usual activities while your body is healing to reduce the risk of complications. For example, we advise our hernia repair patients not to lift anything that weighs more than 10 pounds for up to six weeks. 

Physical activity is an important part of the healing process. However, you need to avoid strenuous physical activity. Instead, stay active, engaging in light to moderate aerobic exercises like walking or bike riding.

Hernias don’t resolve independently and may need surgical repair when they cause problems. Schedule a consultation with our surgeon to learn more about your hernia treatment options so you can plan. Call or request an appointment online today at the office nearest you.