Question: I have had a hernia for approx. 4 months now, experiencing burning, discomfort and numbness at site. When is surgery advised? Charles

Answer: Dear Charles,

Hernias can vary in type and severity. Hernia repair is in many cases an elective operation and the patient is the one to decide when and if he/she wants to have surgery. If the hernia is strangulated a doctor will probably mandate an operation. It is important to keep in mind that hernias do not heal by themselves and will increase in size with time making the pain more noticeable.