DEAR DR. GOTT: Is it possible to live a normal life without surgery for a hernia? I’ve heard of people years ago wearing various trusses or supports of some kind.
DEAR READER: Yes, it is. Trusses were quite common years ago and are still in existence today. A hernia can result from lifting heavy objects, chronic constipation, an undescended testicle, obesity and a host of other reasons.
In most cases, if the hernia doesn’t cause pain and discomfort, there is no need for surgical repair. It’s when it enlarges or strangulates (or there is increased risk of this occurring) that intervention is necessary.
Strangulation refers to the tissue becoming stuck in a hole in the abdominal wall, resulting in its blood supply getting cut off. If the bulge cannot be pushed back through the hole to restore the flow of blood, that specific portion of the intestine will die.
If you have a hernia, I recommend a visit to your primary care physician or surgeon. He or she will be your best resource to determine the next step.
