Author in the Room: Watchful Waiting vs Repair of Inguinal Hernia in Minimally Symptomatic Men.

Summary: This week: Dr. Johnson discusses how men who have few if any symptoms from their inguinal hemia, can safely delay having it fixed. When symptoms develop, especially if the symptoms worsen suddenly, they should visit a surgeon and request a repair. If the hernia suddenly becomes incarcerated, painful, and signs of a bowel obstruction develop (vomiting, abdominal cramps), an operation should be done immediately.