Repair of minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias in adults can prevent potentially serious complications due to hernia incarceration. However, such repairs can also lead to complications such as infection, chronic inguinal pain and hernia recurrence which cumulatively approximate the risks of incarceration. Evidence shows that such hernias can also be managed with watchful waiting for up to 2 years after assessment, a choice that should be offered to appropriately selected persons.
Sources:
Fitzgibbons RJ Jr, et al. Watchful waiting vs repair of inguinal hernia in minimally symptomatic men: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2006 Jan 18;295(3):285-92. PMID: 16418463.