Hernia Overview

non-surgical treatments

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Medical Author:
Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

What non-surgical treatments are available for an abdominal

hernia?

If an inguinal or umbilical hernia is small and does not cause symptoms, a

watchful waiting approach may be reasonable. Routine follow-up may be
all that is needed, especially if the hernia does not grow in size. However, if
the hernia does grow or if there is concern about potential incarceration,
then surgery may be recommended. Patients who are at high risk for
surgery and anesthesia may be offered this approach.

Trusses, corsets, or binders can hold hernias in place by placing pressure

on the skin and abdominal wall. These are temporary approaches and
potentially can cause skin damage, breakdown, and infection because of
rubbing and chaffing. They are often used in older or debilitated patients
who have an increased risk to undergo surgery and when the hernia defect
is very large.

Unless the defect is large, umbilical hernias in children tend to resolve on

their own by 1 year of age. Surgery may be considered if the hernia is still

present at age 3 or 4, or if the defect in the umbilicus is large.

IN THIS ARTICLE
What is an abdominal hernia?
What are the different types of
abdominal hernias?
What causes an abdominal
hernia?
What are the signs
andsymptoms of an abdominal
hernia?
How are abdominal hernias
diagnosed?
What is the treatment for an
abdominal hernia?
What non-surgical treatments
are available for an abdominal
hernia?
What is the prognosis for an
abdominal hernia?
Can an abdominal hernia be
prevented?
Patient Comments: Hernia Symptoms
Patient Comments: Hernia Surgery
Patient Comments: Hernia - Types
Patient Comments: Hernia Causes
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Hiatal hernias by themselves do not cause symptoms. Instead it is the acid

reflux that causes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Treatment is Hernia Overview Index
aimed at decreasing acid production in the stomach and preventing acid
from entering the esophagus. For more, please refer to the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
article.

What is the prognosis for an abdominal hernia?

Most patients who undergo elective hernia repair do well. Incisional hernias may recur up to 10% of the

time. The prognosis for patients who undergo emergent hernia repair because of incarcerated or
strangulated bowel depends upon the extent of surgery, how much intestine is damaged, and their
underlying health and physical condition prior to the surgery. For this reason, elective hernia repair is much
preferred. Continue Reading
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 2/2/2016