More than five million people in the U.S. are living with a hernia, and about 30% of adults will develop one during their lifetime. Yet, thousands delay treatment — often due to fears of a painful recovery, time away from work, or high medical bills (The Oregon Clinic, 2025). While it’s understandable to want to avoid surgery, postponing hernia repair can have serious — and even life-threatening — consequences.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Hernia Surgery?
A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue, often in the abdomen or groin. Contrary to popular belief, hernias do not heal on their own — they worsen over time (Biology Insights, 2025).
If untreated, a hernia can progress through several stages:
- Reducible Hernia – Early on, the bulge can often be pushed back into place.
- Incarcerated Hernia – Tissue becomes trapped and cannot be returned, leading to persistent pain.
- Strangulated Hernia – Blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off, causing tissue death, infection, and potentially sepsis — a life-threatening emergency.
Complications can include:
- Bowel obstruction – Severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and inability to pass gas or stool.
- Tissue necrosis – Dead tissue requiring urgent removal.
- Sepsis – A body-wide infection that can be fatal without immediate treatment.
Why People Delay Surgery
While fear of surgery is common, modern techniques — including minimally invasive laparoscopic repair — often allow for small incisions, less pain, faster recovery, and same-day discharge (The Oregon Clinic, 2025).
Another major reason people postpone treatment is costo. Without insurance, hernia surgery can cost up to $12,500 or more, depending on the procedure (Healthcare Decoded, 2025). Even with insurance, deductibles and co-pays can add up, especially for those with high-deductible health plans.
The Daily Impact of Living with a Hernia
Smith Medical: An Affordable, High-Quality Option for Hernia Surgery
At Smith Medical, we believe cost shouldn’t prevent anyone from getting the care they need. That’s why we offer transparent, bundled pricing for hernia surgeries that is often 25–50% below national PPO network rates — with no surprise bills.
Whether you need open repair o laparoscopic surgery, our board-certified surgeons specialize in minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, helping you return to normal life quickly and comfortably. Our outpatient surgical model means lower facility costs — savings we pass directly to our patients.
With Smith Medical, you get:
- Clear, all-inclusive pricing up front
- Experienced surgical teams using advanced techniques
- Shorter recovery times with minimally invasive methods
- A comfortable, patient-focused experience without the high hospital price tag
Don’t Wait — Your Health Matters
If you’ve been putting off hernia surgery, now is the time to act. Early treatment prevents complications, reduces recovery time, and allows you to get back to living without pain or worry.
Contact Smith Medical today to learn more about our affordable hernia repair options and schedule your consultation.
