Anterior Abdominal Wall Hernia: Should Surgery Be Considered?
A 25-year-old female unexpectedly discovered she has a fat-containing anterior abdominal wall hernia following a CT scan conducted in the emergency department. The medical team did not provide any comments or guidance on this finding. She has an upcoming follow-up appointment with her primary care physician in a few days. In the interim, she is questioning whether surgical intervention is necessary. Should she exercise caution, particularly around lifting heavy objects? Currently, she reports no symptoms associated with the hernia. Additionally, she is contemplating the reliability of the CT scan results—how accurate can they be?
Answers (1)

7/21/2025, 12:20:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to have questions and concerns after discovering an abdominal wall hernia, especially when the medical team hasn’t provided clear guidance. Here’s a structured approach to your situation:
Main Points:
- Current Evaluation of the Hernia: Since you are asymptomatic, it’s not an emergency but requires consideration.
- Surgical Considerations: Surgery is often recommended for symptomatic hernias or those at risk of complications.
- Activity Modification: Caution with heavy lifting is advisable to avoid potential complications.
- Accuracy of CT scans: CT scans are generally reliable for detecting hernias.
Explanation:
An abdominal wall hernia occurs when tissue protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall. As you've indicated that the hernia is fat-containing and asymptomatic, you may not need immediate surgical intervention. However, it’s still important to monitor it.
Surgical Intervention: Surgery is commonly considered if the hernia causes pain or increases in size, or if there are concerns about it strangling the tissue (which is not your current case). Your primary care physician can provide further assessment and discuss whether you should plan for surgery based on possible risks versus benefits.
Heavy Lifting: Without symptoms, you might not need to avoid all activities, but heavy lifting should be approached with caution. Straining can exacerbate hernia issues, so it's wise to avoid lifting heavy objects until you discuss your situation with your doctor.
Accuracy of CT Scans: CT scans are a reliable diagnostic tool, and while no test is perfect, a finding such as a fat-containing hernia is typically accurate. If you have concerns about the scan results, discussing them with your doctor during your follow-up is a good idea.
Next Steps:
- Prepare for Your Appointment: Write down any questions about the hernia, including whether surgery is advisable for your case and what activities you should avoid.
- Limit Strenuous Activities: Avoid heavy lifting or straining until you receive more specific guidance from your physician.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any new symptoms like pain or changes in size of the hernia and note these to discuss with your doctor.
Overall, it’s good that you have a follow-up scheduled, and focusing on these steps will help you gain clarity and ensure you’re taking care of your health. If you have further questions or need reassurance before your appointment, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Three Months Post-Bike Fall: Still Dealing with Bruises
Three months ago, on April 18, I had a mishap while learning to ride a bicycle, resulting in a significant fall onto my knee. For several weeks, I struggled to walk normally, developing a noticeable limp. Although I was able to bend my knee slightly, I believed there was no fracture present. The bruising extended in a line down my leg all the way to my ankle. While the discoloration lessened over time, it never fully vanished. Now, in July, the mark has become barely noticeable, though a faint reminder still lingers on my knee and leg, with the bruise around my ankle having completely faded. I haven’t sought medical attention due to complications with my insurance, as I’m outside of the US. However, I am contemplating whether I should consult a private physician for peace of mind. Currently, it’s winter where I live, and I occasionally experience pain when walking excessively or if I bend my knee in an awkward manner. It resembles that post-exercise soreness you feel after a tough workout. I don't take any medication for this. For those interested, I’ve included pictures in the comments for reference.
Concerns About a Breast Lump
Hello, I’m a 26-year-old woman weighing 87 kg. Recently, I discovered a lump in my breast, and last night, some pus and an abscess came out. This morning, I noticed that there’s now a hole present, which has me feeling quite anxious. Can anyone shed some light on what this might be? Are there any home treatments or ointments you would recommend? P.S. I maintain good hygiene and shower every night. Thank you for your help.
Concerns About a Thick-Walled Cyst in the Cul-De-Sac
A 19-year-old female is navigating a rather perplexing and worrisome medical journey. In December, I sought emergency care for abdominal discomfort, where I was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst. Following this, a visit to my gynecologist revealed that the cyst I had was not actually ovarian, as it was not attached in a typical manner. She advised me not to worry. A month later, exacerbated abdominal pain and inflammation prompted another ER visit, where I discovered that the cyst had burst, leaving behind some irritating fluid. In February, I had to return to another emergency room due to unrelated issues. I was experiencing severe nausea and dehydration linked to a stomach flu, and during my assessment, the medical team decided to conduct a CT scan given my previous medical background. It was during this scan that the radiologist fortuitously identified a "5.5 cm thick-walled cystic formation in the cul-de-sac," which was separate from my left ovary and deemed unlikely to be an ovarian cyst. The potential diagnoses presented included: 1. Tailgut cyst 2. Rectal duplication cyst 3. Mesenteric cyst 4. Paratubal cyst Initially, I felt reassured, having been told that cysts typically do not pose a serious threat. However, recent developments have caused me concern as I've been experiencing pain near the rectal area. I’ve reached out to my gynecologist for guidance, despite second-guessing if she is the appropriate specialist for this issue. I have an appointment scheduled shortly. In my research on thick-walled cysts, I unearthed alarming information suggesting they could potentially be cancerous. With roughly five months having passed since my last evaluation, I’m left wondering whether it could have escalated into something more serious during this time. Additionally, I've been dealing with a persistent mild nausea since my bout with the stomach flu. I suspect my increased health anxiety might be contributing to this, as I now find myself feeling extremely nauseous whenever I experience any heightened anxiousness, which was uncommon for me prior to my illness. I’m beginning to connect this nausea with the cyst issue. Furthermore, a recent consultation with a gastroenterologist included an abdominal ultrasound and blood tests, all of which returned normal results. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on this matter!
Confusion Over Conflicting Blood Test Results
A 25-year-old male recently underwent the NfL Simoa blood test across two different laboratories, prompted by concerns of muscle twitching, only to be confronted with strikingly divergent results. At the first facility, a small lab using an unconventional assay on an unfamiliar Simoa machine, the reference range they established was 0-15. My results showed a reading of 20.4, which places it significantly above their normal range. In contrast, a larger, more reputable testing center, KingMed Diagnostics, utilized the Simoa HD-X Nf-Light assay, recognized as the gold standard in testing. Their reference range fell between 0 and 8.1, and my reading came in at 5.5, clearly within normal levels. The discrepancy in my results raises questions; Lab 1 indicated that my levels were 1.33 times elevated, while Lab 2 reported them as 0.67 times of what is considered standard. This leads to speculation that either Lab 1's results are exaggerated, or Lab 2's are understated. Following my inquiries, the second lab has agreed to retest my sample to clarify the situation, while the first lab became defensive and cut off communication. This leaves me feeling uncertain. Is it possible that there was a mix-up with my sample or some form of dilution error? The last thing I want is to face an increased risk of an ALS diagnosis...
Cold Extremities: A Personal Account
I’m a 19-year-old male grappling with an unusual issue where my knees feel cold despite my feet maintaining warmth. To give you some context, I have juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), idiopathic supine tachycardia (IST), and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HSD). Fortunately, I haven’t faced any flare-ups related to my arthritis lately, which I mention because I’ve read that cold limbs can sometimes signify blood vessel compression due to inflammation. However, my situation seems different, particularly because I’m often in a wheelchair, leading to my knees getting quite chilly while my feet remain comfortable. Furthermore, I haven’t noticed any symptoms of blood pooling, yet my knees consistently exhibit a mottled appearance, which worsens during colder weather. What confuses me is the contradiction between my legs and feet: why do my feet stay warm if circulation to my legs is impaired? This odd pattern also extends from my wrists to my elbows, with my fingers remaining warm as well. Lastly, I’m curious whether wearing compression socks could potentially alleviate these issues or improve circulation overall.