← All patient updates Groin hernia · Reviewed October 2026

Do all groin hernias need surgery right away?

What's new

International hernia guidelines (HerniaSurge) support “watchful waiting” as a reasonable option for some people whose inguinal (groin) hernia causes few or no symptoms. This means monitoring the hernia instead of operating straight away.

What this means for you

If your hernia causes little or no discomfort, waiting can be a safe choice. The chance of a serious complication (a hernia becoming stuck) is low.
Many people who choose to wait eventually decide to have surgery, usually because symptoms increase over time.
Watchful waiting is not usually recommended for femoral hernias, a less common type of groin hernia that sits lower, near the top of the thigh. Femoral hernias carry a higher risk of becoming stuck, so repair is usually recommended.
When surgery is needed, most groin hernias can be repaired as day surgery, often with a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) technique.

Go to the Emergency Department right away if your hernia becomes hard, very painful, red or discoloured, will not go back in, or you have vomiting or cannot pass gas or stool.

Talk to your surgeon

The right choice depends on your symptoms, health and activities. Your surgeon will discuss the options with you at your consultation. Summit Surgical sees patients by referral only — ask your family doctor or another physician to fax a referral to 587-392-0375.

Sources (for clinicians)

HerniaSurge Group. International guidelines for groin hernia management. Hernia. 2018;22(1):1–165.

Stabilini C, et al. Update of the international HerniaSurge guidelines for groin hernia management. BJS Open. 2023.

Reviewed by the surgeons of Summit Surgical, October 2026. General information only — your surgeon will advise on your own situation.