Hernia is a very common condition — yet it remains surrounded by misconceptions and half-truths. From “it can be treated with belts” to “you should avoid surgery as long as possible,” these myths often lead patients to delay treatment until the problem becomes serious.
“When it comes to hernia, misinformation can be more dangerous than the disease itself,” says Dr. Rajeev Kapoor, senior gastrointestinal and laparoscopic surgeon at Chandigarh. “Early evaluation and timely repair are the real keys to long-term health.”
1️⃣ Myth: A hernia will heal on its own with rest or medication.
Fact: A hernia is a structural defect — a hole or weakness in the muscle layer. No medicine, bandage, or exercise can close that defect. Only surgical repair can permanently restore the muscle wall.
“Ignoring a hernia does not make it disappear — it only increases the risk of complications like incarceration or strangulation,” explains Dr. Kapoor.
2️⃣ Myth: Wearing a hernia belt or truss can cure it.
Fact: Belts may temporarily hold the bulge in place, but they cannot fix the underlying defect. Prolonged use can actually worsen the weakness and cause skin irritation or ulcers.
Belts are like band-aids — they offer temporary comfort, not a solution.
3️⃣ Myth: Hernia surgery is painful and requires a long recovery.
Fact: Thanks to modern laparoscopic and robotic techniques, hernia surgery today is minimally invasive, almost painless, and often day-care-based. Patients can usually walk within hours and return to routine work in 3–5 days.
“The technology we use reduces pain, speeds up healing, and leaves hardly any scar,” notes Dr. Kapoor.
4️⃣ Myth: If a hernia doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t need treatment.
Fact: A hernia may remain painless for months, but it continues to grow and weaken the tissue. At any time, a loop of intestine can get trapped (incarcerated) and lose its blood supply (strangulated hernia) — a life-threatening emergency that requires urgent surgery.
Pain is not the only indicator of seriousness — size and progression matter more, warns Dr. Kapoor.
5️⃣ Myth: Heavy lifting is the only cause of hernia.
Fact: While straining does increase pressure inside the abdomen, hernia often develops due to a combination of factors — genetic weakness, obesity, chronic cough, constipation, pregnancy, or previous surgeries. Even people who don’t lift weights can develop a hernia.
6️⃣ Myth: Once repaired, a hernia always comes back.
Fact: Recurrence is extremely rare when the surgery is performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon using high-quality mesh and modern techniques. Following post-surgery guidelines — avoiding heavy lifting, controlling weight, and treating cough — further reduces risk.
“With current advancements, hernia repair has a success rate of over 98 percent,” adds Dr. Kapoor.
7️⃣ Myth: You can live with a hernia for years without problems.
Fact: Every hernia grows over time. Delaying treatment only increases its size and makes surgery more complicated. In worst cases, a strangulated hernia can cut off blood supply to the intestine — a medical emergency.
Conclusion
Knowledge is the first step to prevention and early care. Believing myths can lead to delays that turn a simple hernia into a serious condition. Modern laparoscopic surgery is safe, fast, and effective — the real solution for lasting relief.
If you notice a persistent bulge or discomfort in the abdomen or groin, don’t wait for it to “settle.” Book a consultation with Dr. Rajeev Kapoor, Chandigarh’s trusted specialist for laparoscopic hernia and gastrointestinal surgery.
