Have a hernia? Don’t wait and see: The Hernia Clinic
The Hernia Clinic in Christchurch specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of hernias.
Metropol spoke to hernia surgeon Ross Roberts who had some salutary advice for people with this disorder. His message – if you are diagnosed with a groin hernia, don’t adopt a strategy of wait and see what happens with it in the future as that is unwise, and even futile. Have a surgical repair as soon as possible.
Ross explains what a hernia is
A hernia is a lump that results from a part of the intestine (bowel), or fatty tissue, slipping through a weakness in the abdominal wall. The most common is an inguinal hernia located in the groin, just above the leg crease. These are most often found in men.
What should be done about a hernia?
Ross says in adults, hernias do not repair themselves. If left untreated, they will usually get bigger over time. Hernias may be merely uncomfortable, or even painless, but they can become dangerous. Despite advice often given by physicians to patients, there really are no gains to be made out of waiting for treatment. All that is likely to happen by “watchful waiting” is that pain is likely to develop, or to grow worse.
What evidence is there for this view?
A 2013 study reported in the USA noted that: Applying a watchful waiting strategy to men with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias might be safe, but two-thirds of patients crossed over to surgical repair within 10 years, mainly
due to pain.
Another study reported in 2018 also concluded that: A watchful waiting strategy would merely delay rather than avoid surgical repair of hernias in the majority of inguinal hernia patients.
What is the procedure to repair a hernia?
Most hernias require surgical repair to alleviate the symptoms and to prevent possible strangulation of the intestines. Anyone who is fit and well should undergo the surgery as a planned operation at a convenient time. Surgical repair can be carried out laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) with tiny incisions or by open surgery. Because it is less intrusive, keyhole surgery has a quicker recovery time enabling patients to get back to their lives more quickly.
Can women develop hernias?
Women may develop femoral hernias. These are also groin hernias. They are rare, but can be high risk and a strategy of watchful waiting is not safe.
If you think you or a member of your family may have the symptoms of hernia, you can contact The Hernia Clinic on (03) 961 6666 or email info@herniaclinic.co.nz.
