Is a hernia operation anything to worry about and are there any necessary precautions?

Risks vs. Benefits: Hernia surgery is very common and also very safe; however, no operation is risk-free. Therefore, the decision to have surgery requires balancing the benefits w/the risks--this is a conversation that you need to have w/a surgeon. In general, keeping one's weight down lowers the risk of hernia surgery. Of course, smoking increases the risk of any operation. Good luck.

Concern: Any operation has potential risks and benefits, and hernia repair is no different. While many hernia operations are performed as an outpatient, hernia repair is easily underestimated and misunderstood by patients and doctors. Visit the american hernia society website for more information, and ask your surgeon about his or her experience level with varying options regarding your specific case.

Don't Worry: Talk directly to your surgeon about your concerns, but don't overly worry. Hernia surgeries are generally safe operations. But one hernia surgery isn't like the other and there are many factors that weigh into risks and outcomes. Your surgeon will be able to give you specific information about your risks based on your individual hernia characteristics and your health.