Many people live with a hernia for months or years without realizing it — or without knowing when it becomes a surgical problem. The answer depends on the hernia's type, size, symptoms, and risk of life-threatening complications. Dr. Richard Nguyen at Lifetime Surgical treats hernias of all types in San Jose and Los Gatos.
A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. The most common locations are the abdomen (inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional) and the upper stomach (hiatal hernia). Hernias do not heal on their own — the only definitive treatment is surgical repair.
The most common sign of a hernia is a bulge under the skin in the groin, belly button, or near a prior surgical scar. It may disappear when you lie down and return when you stand, cough, or strain. Any new unexplained bulge should be evaluated by a surgeon promptly.
While some hernias are initially painless, pain that worsens with activity, prolonged standing, coughing, or lifting suggests the hernia is growing or placing increasing strain on surrounding tissue. Progressive pain is a sign that surgical repair should not be further delayed.
An incarcerated hernia occurs when the herniated tissue becomes trapped and can no longer be manually reduced. This is a medical urgency — the trapped tissue may be at risk of losing its blood supply. You should seek same-day surgical evaluation.
A strangulated hernia is a surgical emergency. Strangulation means the blood supply to the herniated tissue has been cut off, causing tissue death. Symptoms include:
If you experience these symptoms, go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Strangulated hernias require emergency surgery within hours.
Hiatal hernias push part of the stomach through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. When medications no longer control GERD symptoms — or when you experience difficulty swallowing, chronic regurgitation, chest pain, or respiratory symptoms — surgical repair (Nissen fundoplication or hiatal hernia repair) may be indicated.
Even a painless hernia will not stay small. Hernias typically enlarge over time, making repair progressively more complex. Smaller hernias repaired electively are associated with shorter operative times, lower mesh requirements, and faster recovery than large or complicated hernias.
For small, asymptomatic inguinal hernias in older patients or those with significant surgical risk, a period of watchful waiting is sometimes appropriate. However, this decision should always be made with a board-certified surgeon — not assumed at home. Dr. Nguyen will examine your hernia, review imaging if needed, and give you an honest assessment of your options.
Dr. Nguyen performs all types of hernia repair using minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques. Most repairs are same-day outpatient procedures with a short recovery:
If you've noticed a bulge, discomfort, or other warning signs, don't wait for it to become an emergency. Contact Lifetime Surgical in San Jose or Los Gatos to schedule a hernia evaluation.
Wondering which surgical procedure might be right for your condition? We're here to help you understand your treatment options and develop a personalized surgical plan. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Your path to improved health may be more achievable than you think—with advanced surgical techniques leading to faster recovery, reduced complications, and a significantly enhanced quality of life.
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