Dr. Virginia Loewenstine, CEO and medical director of Tristate Preventive Health, answers your questions
Q: I have been told I have a hernia. When should I get that fixed?
A: Having a hernia repair is considered “elective” (i.e., it’s not an emergency and can be scheduled in advance). It’s done as an outpatient procedure, so you don’t have to stay in hospital.
Elective procedures can be done whenever it’s convenient for the individual. However, if the hernia becomes painful and the skin in the area turns red and hot, you should go to the ER immediately, as this is now considered an emergency.
