Do all Inguinal Hernias Need Surgery?

Background: For hernias that aren't painful, choosing watchful waiting instead of immediate surgery isn't tied to any long-term health problems. Many patients who took a wait-and-see approach with the groin bulges ended up eventually getting surgery when their hernias grew too big or started causing pain. Methodology: Watchful waiting were followed up at 6 months and annually and watched for hernia symptoms; repair patients received standard open tension-free Lichtenstein repair and were followed up at 3 and 6 months and annually. Results: Watchful waiting is an acceptable option for men with minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias. Delaying surgical repair until symptoms increase is safe because acute hernia incarcerations occur rarely.