Can an 86-year-old elderly person undergo surgery for hernia?

In general, whether an 86-year-old elderly person with hernia can undergo surgery depends on a comprehensive assessment of the patient's overall health condition, type of hernia, and severity. The specific analysis is as follows:

The patient’s baseline health status is the key evaluation factor. Elderly individuals aged 86 often suffer from multiple underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If these conditions are well-controlled and vital organ functions—including cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, and renal functions—are sufficient to tolerate anesthesia and surgical trauma, doctors may recommend surgery. However, if the underlying diseases are severe and poorly managed, or if organ function has significantly declined, the risks associated with anesthesia and surgery increase substantially, potentially leading to serious complications such as myocardial infarction or pulmonary infection. In such cases, physicians typically prioritize conservative treatment.

Additionally, the nature of the hernia itself also influences the decision. If the hernia is incarcerated or strangulated—meaning the herniated tissue is trapped and cannot be reduced—it may lead to intestinal necrosis or septic shock. This constitutes a surgical emergency; even if the patient is in poor general condition, doctors may still consider urgent surgery after carefully weighing the risks, in order to save the patient's life. In contrast, for reducible hernias—where the hernia can be pushed back into place and symptoms are mild with minimal impact on daily life—conservative management (e.g., using a hernia belt) may be adopted initially to avoid surgical risks.

In all cases, it is essential to respect the patient's preferences and quality-of-life considerations when determining the most appropriate treatment plan. If surgery is chosen, thorough preoperative preparation should be conducted to ensure patient safety during the procedure and adequate support for postoperative recovery.