Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I am a 59 year old, very fit  male. I have an early inguinal hernia. It reduces completely overnight when I am non-weight bearing but I get a buldge as the day progresses when I am on my feet. Should I pursue getting it repaired now or wait until it becomes more severe. I am very physically active with golf, walking, bike riding, hiking and dont really want to pursue surgery and be incapacitated during the summer but also dont want to do irrepairable harm. Is there a less invasive procedure than an incision and mesh insertion? Thank you.
[|AI|]  Hi and welcome to Chat Doctor. I suggest doing surgical repair even if you don't have intensive symptoms. Inguinal hernia can never pass by itself. It can be only bigger and more problematic. Especially if you are physically active. You ll have to do this repair sooner or later and if you wait then some serious complications may occur such as incarceration or strangulation. Surgery can be done by open procedure where 4-5 cm incision is performed and mesh inserted. This is a routine today wit minimal postoperative recovery and wound scaring. ALso, it can be done laparoscopic in many institutions. There is really no reason to avoid it.Wish you good health.