Q16. Is there an alternative to surgery?
A16. A hernia cannot be treated with drug therapy which means that surgery is the only option. In many ways this is the recommended option as it is relatively simple and can be carried out under a local anaesthetic.
The thought of surgery can be scary but a hernia will worsen over time and in some cases, can become strangulated. This is where the hernia stays in place and becomes tightly squeezed as a result of doing so. The hernia is then compressed to the extent that blood is unable to flow into that area which can result in tissue death or damage to the internal organ.
A strangulated hernia requires emergency surgery.
So, it is better to have surgery now rather than running the risk of a strangulated hernia.
Find out more in our treatment for hernias section.
FAQS Index:
- Hernia FAQs Intro
- What is a hernia?
- Is there more than one type
- What is a hiatus hernia?
- What is an inguinal hernia?
- What is a femoral hernia?
- What is an umbilical hernia?
- What is an epigastric hernia?
- What is a spigelian hernia?
- What is an incisional hernia?
- What is a sports hernia?
- Who gets a hernia?
- What causes a hernia?
- Can children get hernias?
- What is the treatment for a hernia?
- Will I have to wear a truss?
- Is there an alternative to
- Can I have my hernia treated
- How much does hernia surgery
- What are the risks of hernia
- How long will I be off work?
- Can a hernia come back?
Guide to Hernias
- Hernias Intro
- What is a hernia
- Types of hernia
- Hiatus hernia
- Inguinal hernia
- Femoral hernia
- Umbilical hernia
- Incisional hernia
- Epigastric hernia
- Spigelian hernia
- Sports hernia
- Hernias and children
- Treatment for hernias
- Open hernia surgery
- Keyhole surgery
- Non surgical treatment
- Dangers of not treating a hernia
- Hernia FAQs
- Glossary