Types of non-surgical treatment options
Close monitoring
This is the most common non-surgical treatment option we offer at our Los Angeles Hernia Center. Only applicable in very specific cases and usually when the hernia is small and asymptomatic, frequent follow-ups are required to make sure the hernia is not growing in size or at risk of becoming incarcerated or strangulated.
Hernia trusses, corsets and belts
These tools are occasionally used to hold hernias in place by applying constant pressure to the skin and abdominal wall. This is a temporary solution and not ideal, as it can cause skin irritation, breakdown, and infection. However, this approach may be used to treat older patients who have a very large hernia and are at an increased risk during surgery.
What types of hernias are treated non-surgically?
As mentioned earlier, most hernias require surgery. However, the following list includes the types of hernias that can be managed with non-surgical treatment measures in very specific cases.
Asymptomatic inguinal or umbilical hernias
If the patient has a very small and asymptomatic inguinal or umbilical hernia, our experts may recommend a watchful waiting approach with routine and frequent follow-ups. If the hernia does not grow in size and is not at risk for incarceration or strangulation, watchful waiting may continue. Generally, we will recommend this approach for patients who are at an unusually high risk for surgery and anesthesia.
Congenital umbilical hernias
Unless the defect is unusually large, umbilical hernias that are present at birth will typically resolve themselves by the time the child is one year old. However, if the hernia continues to grow or is still present at age three or four, surgery will be required.
Some hiatal hernias
If the hiatal hernia is not in danger of becoming strangulated or causing severe gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms (GERD), our experts may recommend non-surgical treatment options. These may include medication to neutralize stomach acid, decrease acid production or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle that prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. However, if these measures are ineffective or the hiatal hernia is at an increased risk of becoming strangulated, surgery will be required.
Consultation process
If you suspect you have a hernia, or you have a protruding bulge near the groin or abdomen, it is important to seek immediate evaluation at the Los Angeles Hernia Center. Untreated hernias can lead to irreversible damage and the development of life-threatening complications, so time is of the essence. During your initial appointment, our team of surgeons will evaluate your symptoms and provide a definitive diagnosis. We will then determine if your hernia can be safely managed with non-surgical treatment options. From there, we will compose a custom treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and manage the condition. This plan will also include frequent follow-up appointments to make sure the hernia is not growing in size or at risk of becoming incarcerated or strangulated. With years of experience treating all types of hernias, our surgeons have developed a reputation for delivering among the best non-surgical hernia treatment Los Angeles has to offer.
Our facility
We specialize in performing complete hernia surgery and repair, using the latest and most minimally invasive techniques available. Moreover, our staff is comprised of two leading hernia experts, both of whom are fully committed to providing our patients with the best non-surgical hernia treatment Los Angeles has available.
All procedures are performed in our surgical care center, which is a private alternative to a hospital setting. Because hernia repair is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, hospitalization simply is not necessary. As such, many patients prefer to undergo treatment in our state-of-the-art facility, which offers an added level of privacy, convenience, and comfort.
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