Is abdominal hernia major surgery?

A hernia repair is a common but major surgery with significant risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options available.

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

After hernia mesh surgery, most patients can go home the same day. Full recovery time may take four to six weeks. Right after surgery, patients should perform only necessary daily functions but can return to light activity after a few weeks of recovery. Heavy activity can resume after six weeks.

What does abdominal hernia mean?

A ventral (abdominal) hernia refers to any protrusion of intestine or other tissue through a weakness or gap in the abdominal wall.

What are signs of an abdominal hernia?

Signs and Symptoms of a Hernia

• An obvious swelling beneath the skin of the abdomen or the groin.
• A heavy feeling in the abdomen that sometimes comes with constipation or blood in the stool.
• Discomfort in the abdomen or groin when lifting or bending over.
• A burning or aching sensation at the bulge.

What is an abdominal hernia in adults?

A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue protrudes or pushes through a hole or weakened part of muscle. This most often occurs in the abdomen or groin. At NYU Langone, our surgeons are experts in diagnosing and managing hernias in adults.

Do abdominal hernias go away?

Hernias don’t go away on their own. Only surgery can repair a hernia. Many people are able to delay surgery for months or even years. And some people may never need surgery for a small hernia.

How bad is hernia surgery?

Hernias range from barely noticeable to life-threatening, depending on the size of the defect and the organs involved. In some cases, hernia surgery is performed to remove the annoying or unsightly bulge; in other cases, severe organ damage and even death can occur if surgery is not performed immediately to repair the problem.

Does a hernia always require surgery?

Surgery isn’t always necessary, but hernias generally don’t improve without it. In some cases, an untreated hernia can become life-threatening. While there are some side effects and risks associated with surgery, most people have positive results.

What is the best treatment for a hernia?

Hernias can be repaired with either open or laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery uses a tiny camera and miniaturized surgical equipment to repair the hernia using only a few small incisions. It’s also less damaging to the surrounding tissue.

Can hernia be healed without surgery?

A hernia can have a serious impact on your life. The pain can really limit many aspects of your life and work. What exactly is a hernia? They normally occur in the abdomen, where the intestine pushes through a gap in the muscle wall. However, they can be healed without surgery.