Is Surgery the Only Option for Hernia? - Dr. Vikram Lotwala, Hernia Specialist in Surat

Many patients hope a hernia can be treated without an operation. In this video, Dr. Vikram Lotwala, hernia specialist in Surat, answers one of the most common questions he hears: is surgery the only option for hernia?

Non-surgical options and their limits

Watchful waiting: Some small hernias with no symptoms can be monitored for a while under a surgeon’s supervision. The hernia does not go away, and most patients eventually need surgery.
Hernia belt (truss): A belt holds the bulge in for comfort but does not repair the weak spot. Long-term use can irritate the skin, and the hernia can keep growing.
Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, treating constipation and chronic cough, and avoiding heavy lifting can reduce strain and symptoms, but they cannot close the gap in the muscle.
Medicines: There is no medicine that cures a hernia. Medicines may only help related symptoms such as pain or acidity.

Why surgery is the permanent treatment

A hernia is a physical gap in the muscle wall, so it can only be fixed by repairing that gap. Modern laparoscopic surgery with mesh closes and reinforces the weak spot through small cuts, with less pain and a quicker return to work.

Book a consultation with Dr. Vikram Lotwala to discuss the right treatment for your hernia.

Dr. Vikram Lotwala
Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgeon
Wings Hospital, 1st Floor, Abhilasha Apartments, Madhuvan Circle, L P Savani Road, Surat, Gujarat
Phone: +91 99099 66056

Frequently Asked Questions

Can medicines or Ayurvedic treatment cure a hernia?

No. No medicine, Ayurvedic or home remedy can close the opening in the muscle wall. These may ease some symptoms, but the hernia remains and can grow.

Can exercise or yoga fix a hernia?

No. Exercise cannot repair a hernia, and some exercises that strain the abdomen can make it worse. Ask your surgeon which activities are safe for you.

When is it okay to delay hernia surgery?

A small hernia with no pain may sometimes be watched for a while under a surgeon’s advice. You should not delay if the hernia is growing, causing pain, or becoming hard to push back.

Can older patients avoid hernia surgery?

Age alone is not a reason to avoid surgery. Many older patients have hernia repair safely. For those with serious health problems, the surgeon weighs the risks of surgery against the risks of leaving the hernia untreated.