title: [Asymptomatic inguinal hernia: is there an indication for surgery].
abstract: Until recently, the repair of asymptomatic groin hernia has been advocated as a prophylaxis for incarceration. However, incarcerations of inguinal hernias are rare events and can be treated adequately if the patient presents himself early after onset of symptoms. Randomized controlled trials showed, that watchful waiting is not associated with increased incarcerations and can be offered as a save alternative. However, within seven years after randomization 50 % to 70 % of the patients in the watchful waiting groups required surgery, mainly because of new onset or increasing symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Universitätsklinik für Viszerale Chirurgie und Medizin, Inselspital, Bern.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kohler
authors.affiliation: Universitätsklinik für Viszerale Chirurgie und Medizin, Inselspital, Bern.
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Beldi
mesh_terms: D058070:Asymptomatic Diseases; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D065286:Prophylactic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures