According to the National Center for Health Statistics, each year an estimated five million Americans develop hernias, yet only about 14 percent seek treatment. Doctors theorize the reason many people choose to avoid treatment is fear of painful surgery.
Today, however, there is little need for fear. Hernia surgery typically is an outpatient procedure with patients returning home the same day. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few days. Larger, more complex hernias may require a hospital stay. Many hernias are repaired using “tension free” approaches, to minimize discomfort as well as chance of recurrence.
“Hernias can range from the small and insignificant, to large, complex and very serious. An evaluation by a surgeon is necessary to decide if a hernia is present, and if so, whether repair is needed,” said Frank C. Koniges, M.D., a general surgeon in Cooper’s Hernia Program.
