Hernia Repair Surgery: When Is It Needed and What Are the Options?

Content medically reviewed by David Vavra, MDOne of the most common operations performed in the United States is hernia surgery. A hernia is when an organ in your body bulges through a weak spot or hole in the tissue containing it. If you are diagnosed with a hernia, treatment depends on the type of hernia and whether it is causing symptoms or not. Watchful waiting may be appropriate for some people with minimal symptoms, although it is still essential to be evaluated by a medical provider. In other cases, the best way to manage a hernia is with surgery.“Hernias do not go away on their own and tend to get bigger with time,” said Dr. David Vavra,general surgeon at Essentia Health. “Surgery can resolve symptoms and prevent long-term complications.”Types of Hernia SurgeryIf you have a hernia that is enlarging, causing significant discomfort, or if you are at risk for complications like a bowel obstruction, surgery to repair the hernia should be strongly considered. Depending on various cl...