When should a bulge be fixed? Hernia repair explained

1. Hernia defined
   A hernia is a hole or weakness in the abdominal wall that lets tissue or intestine protrude. Inguinal (groin) hernias are extremely common — hundreds of thousands are repaired each year in the U.S. Hernias produce bulges, discomfort with activity, and rarely can become trapped (incarcerated) or have their blood supply cut off (strangulated), which is an emergency. NCBI+1

2. What repair options look like.
   For symptomatic hernias we usually recommend repair, either open (small incision over the defect) or laparoscopic/robotic (small incisions, mesh placed to reinforce the defect). Choice depends on hernia location, size, prior surgeries and your medical fitness. Mesh reinforcement is routine for most adult inguinal and ventral repairs because it lowers recurrence.

3. Recovery and timeline.
   Open repairs: many patients can return to light work in 1–2 weeks and full activity in 4–6 weeks depending on job. Laparoscopic repairs may allow quicker return to activity (often 1–2 weeks for light duties) but can carry different postoperative discomfort patterns. Heavy lifting is restricted (often 4–6 weeks) to allow the repair to heal into scar tissue.

4. Risks and benefits.
   Benefit: eliminates the bulge and most activity-related pain and prevents emergency incarceration/strangulation. Risks: recurrence, chronic groin pain or nerve irritation, seroma/hematoma, infection, and issues related to mesh (rare chronic pain or foreign-body reactions). For recurrent or complex hernias we may refer to a specialized hernia surgeon.

5. Closing & practical advice.
   If your bulge is reducible and not painful, watchful waiting is an option in selected patients, but any increasing pain, redness, or inability to reduce the bulge warrants urgent evaluation. Ask about anesthesia options (local with sedation versus general), and plan for wound care and progressive activity after surgery.