By Dr. Matteo Gregori, General Surgeon at Aventino Medical Group, Rome
When time never seems enough
Anna is 42, works full time, and has two teenage children. For months, she has lived with a small swelling in her groin, mostly bothersome in the evenings, which her doctor identified as a hernia. “I don’t have time for surgery,” she thinks every time. So, between meetings, grocery shopping, and school commitments, she decides to postpone it.
One day, while lifting a grocery bag, she feels a sharp pain. The swelling that until the day before could easily be reduced is now painful and no longer goes back in. She is forced to go to the emergency room: the hernia has become complicated and requires urgent surgery. What could have been a simple, scheduled procedure has turned into a longer and more stressful operation, with a forced recovery that completely disrupts her routine.
This story is not unusual. According to the British Journal of Surgery, about 30% of patients who delay minor procedures end up needing emergency surgery, with a threefold increase in complication risk.
Small procedures that change lives
General surgery includes procedures that, if addressed in time, allow for quick recovery and greatly reduce future risks, especially with minimally invasive, laparoscopic, or robotic approaches.
Among the most common are:
- Abdominal hernias → treated early, patients return to daily activities within days.
- Gallstones → operating before colic prevents infections and urgent hospitalizations.
- Skin growths → removing them promptly reduces complications and allows early diagnosis of potentially dangerous lesions.
According to the American College of Surgeons, 80% of scheduled minor surgeries run without complications, whereas in emergency settings the risk increases more than threefold.
Autumn: the right time to act
September and October mark a fresh start after summer. It’s when work and school routines resume, but also the perfect time to focus on health. Milder temperatures favor post-operative recovery and allow patients to plan rest days more easily.
A study published in Annali Italiani di Chirurgia shows that patients who undergo timely surgery experience less anxiety and return more quickly to daily activities. Conversely, those who postpone often live for months with pain, worry, and social or work limitations.
It’s not just about medicine, but quality of life
Delaying means living with the constant thought of an unresolved problem. Everyday gestures—climbing stairs, exercising, lifting children—become sources of concern. Facing surgery today, instead, means freeing yourself from anxiety and regaining a full life without limitations.
Preventive surgery is an integral part of modern medicine: it doesn’t just treat, but also prevents serious complications. It’s an investment in health, time, and peace of mind.
Conclusion: better today than tomorrow
Anna’s story teaches us that postponing is not always the safest choice. With the guidance of an experienced surgeon, many minor operations can be carried out quickly, safely, and with short recovery times.
👉 Book a consultation with the general surgeon at Aventino Medical Group in Rome: together you can plan the best path to turn a concern into a concrete solution.