How long can inguinal hernia surgery be delayed?

Many people are able to delay surgery for months or even years. And some people may never need surgery for a small hernia. If the hernia is small and you don’t have any symptoms, or if the symptoms don’t bother you much, you and your doctor may simply continue to watch for symptoms to occur.

What is the waiting time for a hernia operation?

The median waiting times for those patients who underwent surgery were: GP referral to assessment 5.7 weeks (range: 1.6–22.0 weeks), assessment to surgery 5.4 weeks (range: 0.1–20.7 weeks) and referral to surgery 11.3 weeks (range: 6.3–30.0 weeks).

Can hernia surgery be delayed?

Unless a hernia is causing you distress or limiting your activities, you can safely delay repair. A dull ache and a lump in the groin or scrotum—these are the typical signs of an inguinal (groin) hernia.

What exercise can I do while waiting for hernia surgery?

The best exercises for people with hernias

1. Swimming.
2. Walking.
3. Light jogging.
4. Gentle yoga.
5. Cycling.

How can I reduce my inguinal hernia without surgery?

A hernia usually does not go away without surgery. Non-surgical approaches such as wearing a corset, binder, or truss may exert gentle pressure on the hernia and keep it in place. These methods may ease the pain or discomfort and may be used if you are not fit for the surgery or awaiting surgery.

Do all inguinal hernias require surgery?

Not all inguinal hernias need to be repaired, but all hernia repairs require surgery. Small hernias that are not strangulated—blocking blood supply to the intestine—and are causing bowel obstruction or significant pain do not necessarily require surgery or emergency surgical repair.

Does walking help inguinal hernia?

This level of physical activity will help increase your circulation and blood flow. When you start walking after open hernia repair, it decreases swelling around the wound and helps the damaged tissue and muscles heal faster.

Should I have surgery for my inguinal hernia?

Take a “wait and see” approach to surgery because the hernia does not bother you much. This decision aid is not for parents of infants and children who have inguinal hernias. Infants and children always need surgery to repair a hernia because of the increased risk of incarceration and strangulation. Hernias don’t go away on their own.

How long does it take to recover from a hernia surgery?

Most patients are able to return to work within one to two weeks after surgery. But patients whose jobs require manual labor may have to wait four to six weeks before they can resume their work. Patients should begin to “feel normal” again about four to six weeks after surgery. Typical Hernia Mesh Surgery Recovery Timeline

How long after hernia surgery can I have sex (and why)?

Patients can usually have sex within one month after hernia repair. Follow-up visits with the surgeon can prevent serious complications. It can take four to six weeks to recover from hernia mesh surgery. The patient’s health affects recovery.

How soon can I exercise after hernia mesh surgery?

Patients should take frequent short walks beginning right after surgery. But returning to other physical activity depends on the patient and the procedure. People may be able to walk up to a few miles a day in the first couple of weeks. Most people will be able to resume full activity two weeks after hernia mesh surgery.