This is a must know paper for all general surgical trainees. With inguinal hernia repair being one of the most common procedures performed it is essential to be familiar with the current guidelines and literature surrounding this topic. When should we operate? with what technique? open or endoscopic?

This RCT by Fitzgibbons et al. is a landmark paper clearly demonstrating that in patients with relatively asymptomatic inguinal hernias a ‘watch and wait’ approach is acceptable and indicated given that strangulation is a rare complication.

We will be posting some related articles and guidelines in the coming weeks, so watch this space!
Fitzgibbons RJ Jr, Giobbie-Hurder A, Gibbs JO, et al. Watchful waiting vs repair of inguinal hernia in minimally symptomatic men: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2006 Jan 18;295(3):285-92.