Is Hernia Curable Without Surgery?

Are you suffering from a hernia and wondering if you can treat it without surgery? Then, you aren’t alone. Undergoing surgery to cure a hernia is traditional. However, can you treat it without surgery? Let’s answer this question.

What is Hernia?

A hernia involves the protrusion of an organ or part of it due to weakness or defect in the soft tissue wall enclosing it. Hernias are classified depending on the region (upper abdomen or groin) they develop in.

Abdominal hernias include umbilical hernia, spigelian hernia, and epigastric hernia. On the other hand, types of groin hernias include femoral and inguinal hernias. Hernia requires surgery in most cases. However, some cases can be addressed non-surgically. Let’s learn about the hernia types addressable without surgery in specific cases.

Types of Hernias You Can Address Without Surgery

Here are some hernia types you can address without surgery under specific circumstances and in particular cases.

• Specific Cases of Hiatal Hernias

Upon diagnosis, if the doctors discover that the hernia won’t cause severe GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or strangulation, they may recommend non-surgical treatment. It includes consuming prescribed medicines to reduce acid production and neutralize excess stomach acids. Furthermore, medicines also help strengthen the muscles and prevent the reverse flow of stomach acids into the esophagus. Nevertheless, surgery will become inevitable if the medicines don’t prevent further herniation or cannot control hernia symptoms.

• Congenital Umbilical Hernias

These hernias usually resolve on their own when the child turns a year old. However, if the protrusion persists even at three or four or keeps growing, doctors recommend surgery.

• Asymptomatic Umbilical or Inguinal Hernias

For people suffering from these hernia types but prone to anesthesia or surgical risks, doctors recommend non-surgical measures. The gastroenterologist would monitor the situation regularly and try to massage the hernia into place. In case the hernia wouldn’t get stuck in the surrounding tissue or enlarge, doctors would monitor the case through continuous follow-up tests.

Non-Surgical Hernia Treatment

Non-surgical measures cannot eliminate hernias. However, when practiced appropriately, they can reduce symptoms and even prevent excess damage. Addressing hernias non-surgically involves some lifestyle modifications. Specific measures may vary. However, some generic ones include the following.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or suffering from obesity can make you more susceptible to hernia and increase the risk of complications. If you’ve been carrying those excess pounds, losing weight may work. However, you must consult your doctor to know if losing weight is the right thing for you and if so, how you can do it the right way.

• Avoid Constipation

Constipation can aggravate pain and increase complications. Thus, you must avoid it by consuming fiber-rich foods in your diet and staying hydrated.

• Make Diet Adjustments

Acid refluxes are common with hiatal hernias. If you’ve been suffering from heartburn or diagnosed with GERD, it would help to know what foods are triggering it. In addition, you can follow a routine that includes eating small meals throughout the day, staying active, and avoiding activities like bending over.

• Exercise Correctly and Carefully

Exercising regularly is necessary. However, you must avoid heavy lifting activities as they can stress your abdomen and worsen the hernia. Consulting a doctor can help you know what’s right for you and what isn’t.

• Use Hernia Belt and Trusses

These can help safeguard the hernia in the abdominal wall and prevent it from moving. However, it isn’t a long-term solution. You should ask your doctor if the option suits you and if it does, how effective it can be in your case.

• Consume Ginger Root

Ginger reduces pain and arrests gastric buildup in the stomach and esophagus. You may add it to your tea or boil it with water and keep sipping it throughout the day to ease discomfort and pain in the stomach.

• Icing Treatment

Applying an ice pack to the affected region can help reduce bloating, contraction, and inflammation.

Conclusion

To conclude, certain types of hernias may be addressed without surgery in specific conditions and cases. You must stay mindful of signs of hernia, including bloating, increased heart rate, a painful bulge that doesn’t shrink when you lay down and rest, bowel movement challenges, worsening pain, etc. If you experience them, you must visit your doctor and get your condition diagnosed. They would be in the right position to decide whether you need surgery or if you can address the condition without one.

If you need such help and reliable hernia treatment in Pune, visit us. Our appropriate consultation, diagnosis, and treatment will help you treat hernia effectively. Call us at +91 20 2426 1600 to schedule an appointment.