Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content ++ Recent literature suggests that patients who are asymptomatic or "minimally symptomatic" may be managed without surgical intervention.All symptomatic inguinal hernias (pain, neurologic symptoms) should be repaired unless a specific contraindication exists.Inguinal hernias that are incarcerated and are reduced in a timely fashion should be repaired on an urgent basis.Hernias that are unable to be reduced should be treated as a surgical emergency and repaired expeditiously. ++ There are no absolute contraindications.In the event the patient cannot undergo general or spinal anesthetic, the repair can be performed under local anesthetic with sedation. ++ The patient should be supine. ++ Uncomplicated open or laparoscopic hernia repair is performed on an outpatient basis.Postoperative pain control is achieved with anti-inflammatory medications and narcotics for severe pain. ++ Bleeding can range from a subcutaneous hematoma to hemoscrotum. This rarely requires reoperation, but patients must be informed about potential groin or scrotal bruising.Life-threatening hemorrhage is exceedingly rare but may occur if an unrecognized retroperitoneal arterial injury occurs. Typical manifestations are hypotension, decreased urine output, and possibly flank bruising.Damage to the ilioinguinal or genitofemoral nerves may result in paraesthesia to the inner thigh or scrotum, or both. This complication is often temporary when caused by traction but may be permanent if caused by transection.Chronic groin pain is believed to be caused by nerve entrapment during repair. Occasionally, the pain is debilitating enough to require reexploration. Some surgeons electively transect the ilioinguinal nerve when it is encountered to avoid this complication, although this has not been proven to be effective. Your Access profile is currently affiliated with [InstitutionA] and is in the process of switching affiliations to [InstitutionB]. Please select how you would like to proceed. Keep the current affiliation with [InstitutionA] and continue with the Access profile sign in process Switch affiliation to [InstitutionB] and continue with the Access profile sign in process Get Free Access Through Your Institution Learn how to see if your library subscribes to McGraw Hill Medical products. Subscribe: Institutional or Individual Sign In Error: Incorrect UserName or Password Username Error: Please enter User Name Password Error: Please enter Password Sign in Forgot Password? Forgot Username? Sign in via OpenAthens Sign in via Shibboleth You already have access! Please proceed to your institution's subscription. Create a free profile for additional features.