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is being too old for hernia surgery a common response?
My mom is in her late 90’s and lives in the US . She recently was diagnosed with a left side inguinal hernia after an ER visit in May 2024 where they thought it was strangulating but then it resolved on its own after 4-5 hrs. She was then OK for the first 3 months but then in the last month she has had five painful hernia flare ups that last 4-5 hrs. She is eating lots of fiber and small meals. Belt doesn’t seem to help enough.
She saw a surgeon this week who said she’s too old to get a mesh surgery; she doesn’t believe mom’s old body can adequately create the scar tissue needed to make the mesh hold up. We were not expecting this response because the surgeon she met at the hosp in May as part of that ER visit had recommended hernia surgery. We’re trying to gauge the range of opinions out there before pursuing a 2nd opinion.
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1 Reply
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Sorry about your experience.
For groin hernias, if they are symptomatic and for sure if you mom has had to go to the ER multiple times, it should be repaired.
There is no such thing as being too old to heal/form scar.
If she is healthy enough to undergo IV sedation (you don’t need general anesthesia) then repairing the hernia will improve her quality of life.
Also, if her problems are related to a femoral hernia, she should not delay surgery. Repair should be before she ends up in the hospital with a strangulation. It’s high risk.
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