Management of Asymptomatic Inguinal Hernia in Adults

Rationale for Surgical Repair

• For a 60-year-old patient with a reducible inguinal hernia causing slight discomfort, elective surgical repair is recommended to prevent life-threatening complications and avoid emergency surgery, as the patient has sufficient life expectancy to benefit from definitive repair and avoid future emergency surgery 1

Clinical Algorithm

• The patient should proceed with elective surgical repair using a laparoscopic approach, and ensure the patient is medically optimized for surgery 1

Important Caveats

• Emergency repair should be performed immediately if signs of incarceration or strangulation develop, and in emergency settings with incarcerated inguinal hernia without bowel gangrene, local anesthesia can be considered 2, 1