If a weakness develops in the musculature or connective tissue around your abdomen, then it may no longer be able to hold your vital organs or fatty tissue in place. Instead, these organs and tissue can push through the gap, causing a protrusion known as a hernia. When you suspect or discover that a hernia has formed, it is important to seek prompt treatment from a doctor.
As a hernia specialist, Dr. Gregory Dumanian has treated many patients who initially ignored the signs of hernia. When pain is occasional rather than persistent, it is easier to ignore a hernia, but it may not stay that way.
Hernias Do Not Resolve on Their Own
Hernias do not improve on their own, and tend to become more visible and symptomatic over time. Dr. Dumanian urges you to understand this fact now rather than having to learn the hard way. By hoping that the pain will fade over time rather than taking action, you allow the hernia more time to cause damage. Ignoring a hernia may be possible in the short term, but the hernia will likely advance to the point, either due to its size or symptoms, where it is impossible to ignore.
Consequences of an Untreated Hernia
Some of the possible repercussions of ignoring a hernia are serious. For starters, intestinal blockage can occur when the intestine gets pinched, impeding the normal path for digesting food. The resulting bowel obstruction can cause cramping, constipation, nausea and diarrhea.
When a protruding organ is not placed back into its proper location in a timely manner, it can become strangulated. The strangulation cuts off the blood supply to the organ and poses a serious threat to your life. For example, a strangulated intestine may lead to sepsis and peritonitis.
While these consequences generally require major surgery, they are often avoidable if the hernia is treated early.
Seek Treatment
Hernia treatment has advanced significantly in the past few decades. Dr. Dumanian can confirm that it is much easier to repair a hernia in its early stages than to deal with the consequences of an intestinal blockage or strangulated organ. Incisional hernia repair is a straightforward procedure that returns the organ or tissue to its intended location, while strengthening the abdominal wall.
Dr. Dumanian is the creator of the Suturable Mesh technique, which combines the precision of sutures with the improved hold of a mesh that permanently prevents the organs from drifting out of place. The complication rate is low for incisional hernia repair, so you do not need to worry about the hernia causing problems in the future.
To give your hernia the attention it deserves, seek treatment from Chicago’s top hernia expert, Dr. Dumanian. For a consultation at his Northwestern office, please call (312) 695-6022.