About five million people in the United States develop hernias each year. It’s an incredibly common injury, yet many people misunderstand the problem and underestimate its risks.
Hernias aren’t always painful, and it can be tempting to ignore the injury or hope it repairs on its own. However, the reality is that hernias don’t heal without intervention. And waiting to seek treatment could make the condition worse.
If you think you have a hernia, it’s normal to have questions. Board-certified general surgeon Dr. Balaguru Sambandam and our team at North Tarrant Health Providers are top-rated hernia repair specialists in Fort Worth, Texas, and we’re here to help.
A thick wall of muscle and connective tissue wraps your torso and holds your internal organs in place. But sometimes, an injury or a weak spot forms in your muscle wall, allowing part of an organ or some fatty tissue to protrude through, and a hernia appears.
Hernias are categorized based on where they appear. Different hernia types include:
Hernias range in size and location, and they don’t always cause noticeable symptoms. However, you might experience discomfort, pain, and in rare cases, more serious complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a hernia, you might be wondering if it will go away on its own. It’s a common question, but unfortunately, the answer is no: Hernias don’t repair themselves.
While your body can naturally mend some injuries, like a broken bone or a cut, the structural issue causing the hernia — essentially, weakened or separated muscle tissue — requires surgical intervention to address effectively. In fact, without surgical repair, hernias tend to get larger over time and increase your risk of complications.
Hernias can’t repair themselves, but not all hernias need immediate surgery. So, what are the signs that you might need hernia repair surgery? Start with a hernia consultation at North Tarrant Health Providers.
Dr. Sambandam examines your hernia, reviews your medical history, and asks questions about your symptoms. In general, he recommends considering hernia surgery if you have persistent pain or discomfort at the site of the hernia, or a noticeable bulge that becomes more prominent with physical activity or straining.
Dr. Sambandam uses minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques for hernia repair, which is a method that offers faster recovery times and reduced postoperative discomfort compared to traditional open surgery.
He makes a few very small incisions in your abdomen and inserts specialized surgical instruments and a tiny camera called a laparoscope. He uses the camera to visualize your hernia and surrounding tissues on a high-definition monitor, and manipulates the instruments to repair your hernia.
Hernia repair surgery uses surgical mesh and suturing to reinforce your abdominal wall and prevent the hernia from recurring. Because laparoscopy is less disruptive than open surgery, patients typically experience less pain and scarring and can return to their normal activities sooner.
While it can be disappointing to learn your hernia won’t heal on its own, it’s helpful to know that you do have effective treatment options. Timely intervention can alleviate symptoms and reduce your risk of complications, and our team is here to help.
To learn more, call North Tarrant Health Providers at 817-904-4165 today, or use our easy online booking feature to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sambandam at North Tarrant Health Providers anytime.
