What Happens If a Hernia Is Left Untreated Know the Risks
You notice a small bulge near your abdomen. It doesn’t hurt much, so you brush it off. Days turn into weeks, and you forget it’s even there — until one day, the pain hits hard, and you’re rushed to the hospital.
That tiny bulge? It was a hernia — and ignoring it almost cost you your life. Hernias may start as minor inconveniences, but they can lead to serious, even life-threatening complications if left untreated. In this blog, Dr. Samrat Jankar Hernia Surgeon in Pune explore what hernias are, the risks of ignoring them, and why early medical intervention is not just recommended — it’s essential.
What is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weakened area in the muscle or connective tissue that holds it in place. Most hernias appear in the abdomen or groin and are often visible as a soft lump or bulge, especially when coughing, lifting, or standing.
While some hernias might be painless and seem harmless, they do not go away on their own. In fact, they often get worse over time.
Risks of Leaving a Hernia Untreated:
While a hernia may seem like a minor issue, delaying treatment can result in serious medical emergencies. Many patients assume the discomfort will fade or that surgery can wait — but that’s a dangerous misconception. The longer a hernia is left untreated, the more severe the complications become, often requiring emergency surgery and longer recovery times.
Here are the major complications that can arise if a hernia is not treated in time:
Incarceration:
An untreated hernia can become incarcerated, meaning the protruding tissue gets stuck and cannot be pushed back into place. This trapped tissue causes pain and swelling and increases the risk of further complications.
Strangulation (Medical Emergency):
Strangulation occurs when the blood supply to the incarcerated tissue is cut off, often involving the intestines. Without blood flow, the tissue begins to die (necrosis), leading to severe infection and potentially fatal sepsis. Strangulated hernias require emergency surgery.
Bowel Obstruction:
If a loop of the intestine gets trapped in the hernia, it can lead to a blockage of the digestive tract. This causes intense abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation — a condition known as intestinal obstruction that demands urgent intervention.
Long-Term Effects of Ignoring a Hernia:
- Progressive Enlargement: Hernias tend to grow larger over time, becoming increasingly visible and more painful. As they expand, daily activities like bending, walking, or even sitting can become uncomfortable or painful.
- Increased Surgical Complexity: Larger or strangulated hernias require more invasive surgery and have longer recovery periods. A hernia that could have been easily treated with minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery might end up needing complex open repair.
- Chronic Pain: A neglected hernia often leads to persistent, dull, or sharp pain that worsens with activity. Over time, this can affect your ability to work, exercise, or enjoy life normally.
- Higher Risk of Recurrence: Strangulated or large hernias are not only harder to repair but also more likely to come back post-surgery, especially if the abdominal wall has been severely weakened.
- Sepsis and Necrotizing Enterocolitis: In severe cases, especially when blood supply is cut off, the bowel tissue can become inflamed (necrotizing enterocolitis), leading to life-threatening sepsis. This is more common in strangulated hernias and requires immediate hospitalization.
Why Early Diagnosis and Treatment Matters?
Catching a hernia before it grows minimizes pain, surgical risks, and healthcare costs. Most hernias can be managed effectively through surgery — laparoscopic or open — with low risk and minimal discomfort when addressed in time.
Don’t ignore symptoms like:
- A noticeable swell in your groin or abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sudden swelling or discoloration of the bulge
Don't Delay Hernia Treatment:
Hernias are common but potentially dangerous if left untreated. What starts as a harmless bulge can turn into a surgical emergency. Whether you’re experiencing mild discomfort or noticeable pain, it’s critical to consult a specialist. If you’re seeking expert care, Dr. Samrat Jankar, a trusted Hernia Doctor in Pune, offers advanced laparoscopic hernia surgeries at Kaizen Gastro Care, Wakad, Pimpri-Chinchwad. His expertise and patient-first approach ensure safe, ethical, and successful outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
No, hernias do not heal on their own. Over time, they usually get worse. Surgery is the only permanent treatment option.
Symptoms of strangulation include sudden, intense pain, red or discolored skin over the bulge, nausea, vomiting, and fever. This is a medical emergency — seek help immediately.
Yes, if untreated, hernias can lead to life-threatening complications like strangulation, bowel obstruction, or sepsis.
Hernias are treated by general surgeons or gastrointestinal surgeons. If you’re looking for an experienced Hernia Doctor in Pune, consult Dr. Samrat Jankar at Kaizen Gastro Care, known for advanced, ethical, and minimally invasive hernia treatments.
Modern surgical techniques such as laparoscopic hernia repair offer minimal pain, quick recovery, and small incisions. In a few days, most patients resume their regular activities.