About the Health Information

• A hernia does not heal on its own.
• Hernias can affect both men and women.
• Some hernias remain painless during the early stages.
• Surgery is the only permanent treatment for most hernias.
• Early treatment may help prevent complications.

A hernia is often overlooked because it may not cause pain at first. Some believe it will disappear with rest, while others avoid treatment because they worry about surgery.

These are common myths that can delay proper medical care. Knowing the facts can help you recognise the signs of a hernia and seek treatment before complications develop.

No. Most hernias do not heal on their own.

A hernia occurs when tissue or part of an organ bulges through a weakened muscle. Once this happens, the weakness usually does not close naturally. Although some small hernias may be monitored, surgery is often the only permanent treatment.

A hernia is a condition in which part of an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak area in the muscle or surrounding tissue. It commonly appears in the abdomen or groin and may become more noticeable while coughing, lifting heavy objects, or standing for long periods.

Myth: A hernia will go away with rest.

Fact: Rest may reduce discomfort, but it cannot repair the weakened muscle.

Myth: Only men develop hernias.

Fact: Hernias can affect both men and women, although some types are more common in men.

Myth: If the hernia doesn’t hurt, it isn’t serious.

Fact: Some hernias cause little or no pain at first. Without treatment, they may become larger or lead to complications.

Myth: Exercise can cure a hernia.

Fact: Exercise cannot repair a hernia. In some cases, heavy lifting or strenuous exercise may make it worse.

Myth: Hernia surgery requires a long recovery.

Fact: Many hernia repairs are now performed using minimally invasive techniques, which may allow suitable patients to recover more quickly.

Common symptoms include:

• A noticeable bulge in the abdomen or groin
• Pain or discomfort while lifting, coughing, or bending
• A feeling of heaviness or pressure
• Burning or aching around the lump
• Symptoms that become worse after standing for long periods

The risk may be higher if you:

• Lift heavy objects regularly
• Have a long-term cough
• Are overweight
• Have chronic constipation
• Have had previous abdominal surgery
• Are getting older
• Have a family history of hernias

A doctor can often diagnose a hernia during a physical examination.

If needed, additional tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis or assess more complex hernias.

The right treatment is based on the hernia’s type, size, and symptoms.

Your doctor may recommend:

• Monitoring some small hernias that do not cause symptoms
• Laparoscopic hernia repair
• Robotic hernia surgery
• Open hernia surgery

Your surgeon will recommend the most suitable treatment based on your condition.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden or severe pain
• A painful lump that cannot be pushed back
• Redness or swelling over the hernia
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty passing stools or gas

These symptoms may indicate a trapped or strangulated hernia and require emergency treatment.

Although not all hernias can be prevented, you may reduce your risk by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding heavy lifting without proper technique
• Treating chronic cough
• Preventing constipation
• Staying physically active
• Avoiding smoking

“A common myth is that a hernia will heal without treatment. It won’t. Getting evaluated early allows us to recommend the most appropriate treatment before complications develop.”

Dr. P. Anbalagan
Senior Consultant, Department of Surgical Gastroenterology
MGM Healthcare

Dr. P. Anbalagan is a Senior Consultant in the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology at MGM Healthcare.

Areas of Expertise

• Hernia Surgery
• Laparoscopic Surgery
• Robotic-Assisted Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

If you have a lump in your abdomen or groin or experience persistent pain or discomfort, consult Dr. P. Anbalagan and the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology at MGM Healthcare.

Early evaluation can help identify the problem and guide you towards the most appropriate treatment.

Areas of Expertise

• Hernias do not heal without treatment.
• Early medical evaluation can help prevent complications.
• A painless hernia can still become serious.
• Modern hernia surgery often involves minimally invasive techniques.
• Consult a specialist if you notice a lump or persistent discomfort.