A hernia that is reducible, meaning the tissue can be pushed back in, and that is not causing significant pain or functional limitation can in many cases be repaired electively, with timing planned around the patient's circumstances. A hernia that becomes suddenly painful, hard, swollen, or impossible to push back in must be evaluated urgently, as this may indicate strangulation - the herniated tissue losing its blood supply - which is a surgical emergency. Strangulation can lead to bowel infarction within hours if not treated, making early evaluation essential. Any change in a known hernia that fits this description should prompt same-day emergency assessment rather than an outpatient appointment.
Written by Dr. Lokesh H M, MBBS (Al-Ameen Medical College, Bijapur), MS General Surgery (PGIMER, Chandigarh), MCh Surgical Gastroenterology (SGPGIMS, Lucknow), Fellowship in Pancreato-Biliary Surgery (SGPGIMS, Lucknow), FMAS (Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery), Senior Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist, Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Mysuru (Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM) and RK Speciality Clinic, Vijayanagar 2nd Stage, Mysuru (Monday to Saturday, 7 PM to 8:30 PM). Phone: +91 89719 08095.
