Hernia : the journal of hernias and abdominal wall surgery
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Groin herniorrhaphy is the most common operation performed by general surgeons. Annually, more than 20 million groin hernias are repaired worldwide. The general approach towards groin hernias is surgical repair regardless of the presence of symptoms. The rationale to recommend surgery for asymptomatic groin hernias is prevention of visceral strangulation. The goal of this review is to evaluate the appropriateness of surgery in patients with asymptomatic groin hernias. ⋯ Watchful waiting for asymptomatic groin hernias is a safe and cost-effective modality in patients who are under 50 years old, have an ASA class of 1 or 2, an inguinal hernia, and a duration of signs of more than 3 months.