Could the bulge be something else?
The other common cause for a bulge or asymmetry is when the previous operation or trauma damages the nerves to the muscles of the abdominal wall and they no longer function, often called a dysfunctional bulge. This can present in a similar way to a hernia, but imaging of the abdominal muscles would show that the abdominal wall is intact and there is no hernia defect where fat, bowel or other organs can enter or get trapped.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the bulge or asymmetry and your symptoms. Your surgeon should review all your clinical symptoms and organise a CT scan or other appropriate imaging to determine the anatomical cause for your problem. Dysfunctional bulges without a hernia do not need an operation, but are unlikely to improve with time.
Flank or lumbar hernias will not fix themselves without surgical intervention and often require surgical repair before or due to developing bowel complications. Once you are diagnosed with a flank or lumbar hernia you should be referred to a General or Hernia Surgeon who has skills to operate on flank hernias as they are difficult hernias to fix. Your surgeon should discuss all your treatment options, including comparing outcomes if you operate or not, and the risk of the hernia recurring.
