Understanding Hernias and Their Management

Hernias occur when abdominal contents protrude through a perforation in the abdominal wall, commonly at sites like the inguinal and umbilical regions. While over a million hernia repairs are performed annually in the United States, surgical intervention is not always necessary or feasible due to factors such as multi-morbidity, surgical risks, or previous failed repairs. Patients may also have a more pressing health condition that takes precedence over a hernia repair. The decision-making process often involves evaluating the risks of strangulation and tissue damage, with many individuals opting for elective surgery rather than emergency interventions.