Don’t Let These Hernia Myths Stop You From Surgery

It’s never a good idea to put off surgery, and especially when it comes to hernia surgery. Maybe you have heard wild tales about problems with recovery or the surgery itself. Don’t be led astray, and don’t let these hernia myths stop you from surgery.

Important FACTS About Hernia Surgery

Hernias appear as a bulge or lump in the abdomen, groin, or scrotum and cause pain when lifting, straining, or coughing.

There are some valuable facts about hernia surgery to note:

• A hernia will not go away on its own.
• Just because you have no symptoms does not mean you can just forget about having surgery.
• Chronic coughing from smoking can make someone at increased risk for developing a hernia.
• A hernia can become life threatening if it becomes strangulated.

Common Misconceptions About Hernias

Now that you have some basic facts about hernia surgery, let’s look at some hernia myths.

Myth: Avoid A Mesh Repair Surgery

There is a myth out there that mesh repairs are dangerous. If you have an inguinal hernia in the groin, performing  a mesh repair is the standard of care. Once Michigan Hernia Surgery moves the hernia back into place, the hole is closed with stitches and then a piece of mesh reinforces the closure.

A mesh repair is not more painful, does not increase any infection risk, or add any other complication after surgery. In fact, a mesh repair can not only reduce recovery time, but also discomfort. One more benefit of a mesh repair is it reduces the incidence of recurrence.

Myth: Ignore A Hernia And It Will Go Away

This is one of the biggest myths. The source of hernias, the intestines, do not move themselves back into place allowing the muscle wall to heal itself. They do not go away on their own, and at some point surgery is necessary. Sooner rather than later is better!

Myth: There Are Too Many Complications After Hernia Surgery

There are over 20 million hernia surgeries performed every year worldwide and 1 million in the US. The complication rate is less than 5%.

Myth: Hernia Surgeries Are Only Performed The Traditional Way

That is not true. Yes, some hernia surgeries are performed the traditional way with one large incision. Many others are performed laparoscopically. The surgeon makes a tiny incision and inserts a tube with a camera on the end so the doctor can perform surgery looking at a large screen. This type of surgery allows for a much faster recovery.

Don’t allow myths to delay your hernia surgery.