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Is it safe to wait before inguinal hernia surgery at 18?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am an 18-year-old boy. I have an inborn inguinal hernia. It has not given much pain before as it is giving now. When I lie down for more than two hours, it starts hurting, and I am unable to sleep anymore. The pain extends from the lower abdomen and pelvic region to the upper portion of the femur.

I am unable to do surgery now due to the pandemic. How to reduce my pain for now? Do I need surgery immediately? Can I wait for a month? Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Naveed Ahmed Khan

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Naveed Ahmed Khan is a General Surgeon. He specializes in treating gastrointestinal disorders, abdominal and inguinal hernias, inflammatory bowel diseases, appendicitis, and conditions affecting the thyroid and breast. He also has extensive experience in managing gallstones, gallbladder diseases, varicose veins, diabetic foot ulcers, bedsores, cutaneous lesions, and various swellings.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your pain related to a hernia needs a thorough examination. If there are no complications seen during physical examination and ultrasound, then you can do surgery after a month. If there are any complications, then you need immediate surgery.

For now, you can do TRUS (transrectal ultrasonography). You need to do surgery as soon as possible. For now, avoid lifting heavy weights and take fiber-rich food in your diet. Avoid constipation, as it causes exacerbation of the hernia.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At June 20, 2020
Reviewed At December 29, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Naveed Ahmed Khan is a General Surgeon. He specializes in treating gastrointestinal disorders, abdominal and inguinal hernias, inflammatory bowel diseases, appendicitis, and conditions affecting the thyroid and breast. He also has extensive experience in managing gallstones, gallbladder diseases, varicose veins, diabetic foot ulcers, bedsores, cutaneous lesions, and various swellings.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Naveed Ahmed Khan is a General Surgeon. He specializes in treating gastrointestinal disorders, abdominal and inguinal hernias, inflammatory bowel diseases, appendicitis, and conditions affecting the thyroid and breast. He also has extensive experience in managing gallstones, gallbladder diseases, varicose veins, diabetic foot ulcers, bedsores, cutaneous lesions, and various swellings.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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