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Advised To Have Operation Of Umbilical Hernia. History Of Shingles. Need Suggestion
Question: Advisability of operation of Umbilical hernia. Origin 53 years ago at birth of child. No problems until recent attack of shingles - with shingle on naval, now uncomfortable as it has blown out, but not extreme pain - do not need painkillers. Age 82 with emphysema.Hernia appeared in Nov,/12 and has increased by 3 cm as of now.
Hello,
If the hernia is increasing rapidaly in size, particularly if patient coughs often due to emphysema , then surgery might be indicated.Again other factors like overweight, constipation, previous abdominal surgeries contributing to hernial growth may vote in favor of surgery.
But if hernia is stable and not causing any symptoms or increasing in size rapidally then one can surely keep it under observation.Umbilical hernias are known to remain symptom-less for long and might not need any treatment.
But at age of 82, one has to consider the fact that person might not remain fit for surgery in future due to various health issues which might crop up as age increases.So doctor might suggest prophylactic surgery since in future patient might be not remain fit for surgery , when surgery would be desired option.
Hope this helps.Regards.
If the hernia is increasing rapidaly in size, particularly if patient coughs often due to emphysema , then surgery might be indicated.Again other factors like overweight, constipation, previous abdominal surgeries contributing to hernial growth may vote in favor of surgery.
But if hernia is stable and not causing any symptoms or increasing in size rapidally then one can surely keep it under observation.Umbilical hernias are known to remain symptom-less for long and might not need any treatment.
But at age of 82, one has to consider the fact that person might not remain fit for surgery in future due to various health issues which might crop up as age increases.So doctor might suggest prophylactic surgery since in future patient might be not remain fit for surgery , when surgery would be desired option.
Hope this helps.Regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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