Watchful waiting to surgery in men with mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic inguinal hernia: an individual participant data meta-analysis of long-term follow-up of randomized controlled trials.

This study provides valuable long-term data for patient counselling, indicating that while WW is a safe strategy for men with mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic inguinal hernia, symptoms would likely progress eventually, necessitating operative repair.