{"id":14195,"date":"2026-10-12T15:13:03","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T15:13:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/?p=14195"},"modified":"2026-10-12T15:14:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T15:14:19","slug":"4-common-surgeries-people-put-off","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2026\/10\/12\/4-common-surgeries-people-put-off\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Common Surgeries People Put Off"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Maybe your knee has hurt for years, but you\u2019ve learned to work around it. You know you have a hernia, but it only bothers you occasionally. Or the tingling in your hand wakes you up at night, but you\u2019re hoping it will eventually go away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For many conditions, surgery isn\u2019t the first treatment, and it shouldn\u2019t be. Physical therapy, medications, injections, activity changes, and other nonsurgical treatments may provide relief for months or even years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When those treatments stop providing relief, it may be time to consider your next step. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPeople sometimes think that because a surgery is elective, it means it isn\u2019t necessary,\u201d says Maureen Moore, MD<\/a>, a general surgeon at Cooper Norcross Health<\/a>. \u201cElective simply means the procedure can be planned in advance. If a condition is interfering with your daily life, it may be worth talking with a surgeon about your options.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are several common surgeries people may put off \u2013 and some things to consider when deciding what\u2019s right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hernia Repair <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak area in the muscles, often causing a bulge in the abdomen or groin. Some small hernias that aren\u2019t causing symptoms can be safely monitored without surgical repair. But hernias don\u2019t repair themselves, and over time, some may become larger, more uncomfortable, or begin limiting daily activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHaving a hernia doesn\u2019t automatically mean you need surgery right away,\u201d Dr. Moore says. \u201cBut if it starts causing pain or limiting what you can comfortably do, it may be time to discuss the risks and benefits of continuing to wait versus having it surgically repaired.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, sudden, severe abdominal pain and vomiting may indicate that part of the intestine has become trapped within a hernia, a condition that requires immediate medical attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gallbladder Surgery <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people have gallstones without knowing it, and gallstones that aren\u2019t causing symptoms often don\u2019t require treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The situation changes when gallstones begin causing repeated attacks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gallbladder attacks can cause pain in the upper right abdomen or beneath the breastbone, sometimes after eating. Nausea and vomiting may also occur.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For people with recurring symptoms or complications from gallstones, surgery to remove the gallbladder (called a cholecystectomy) may be recommended. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be tempting to put off surgery once an attack passes and you feel better. But recurring episodes are a reason to talk with your health care professional about whether it makes sense to continue waiting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hip or Knee Replacement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Joint replacement is another elective procedure people may delay, sometimes for years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For arthritis of the hip or knee, treatment typically begins with nonsurgical approaches. Depending on the individual, these may include exercise, physical therapy, bracing, weight management, activity modification, or injections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your arthritis progresses despite these nonsurgical interventions, debilitating pain and discomfort may begin to dictate how you live your life. Maybe you\u2019ve stopped traveling, exercising, or participating in activities you once enjoyed. You may avoid stairs or long walks, or pain may be interfering with your sleep. These factors can play significant role in your quality of life and may be a sign it\u2019s time to talk with your doctor about your current treatment routine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen considering joint replacement, X-rays and pain scores are only part of the equation,\u201d says Alexus M. Cooper, MD<\/a>, an orthopaedic surgeon at Cooper Norcross Health. \u201cWe want to understand how arthritis is affecting your quality of life and your goals for treatment. If pain and loss of mobility are keeping you from doing the things you need or want to do despite nonsurgical treatment, that\u2019s an important part of the conversation.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carpal Tunnel Surgery <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed. Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand and fingers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early treatment may include activity modification, bracing, or corticosteroid injections. But if symptoms persist or become severe, surgery may be considered to relieve pressure on the nerve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One reason not to ignore worsening carpal tunnel symptoms is the possibility of nerve damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPersistent numbness or weakness is different from occasional tingling,\u201d Dr. Cooper says. \u201cIf you\u2019re dropping things, losing grip strength, waking frequently because of symptoms, or noticing that your hand isn\u2019t functioning the way it used to, it\u2019s important you be evaluated in a timely manner.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Know When It\u2019s Time? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There isn\u2019t one answer that applies to everyone. The decision to have surgery depends on the condition, your symptoms, your overall health, what treatments you\u2019ve already tried, and how much the problem is affecting your life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there are some questions worth asking yourself: <\/p>\n\n\n\n