Watchful Waiting Versus Repair of Oligosymptomatic Incisional Hernias

Watchful waiting means the observation of the hernia. The patient is informed about signs of deterioration or incarceration. The hernia is controlled clinically on defined follow-up visits.

"Open or laparoscopic hernia repair with mesh (non-absorbable or partly-absorbable alloplastic material) or with direct suture repair. For hernias measuring ≥ 3 cm mesh repair is recommended. A wide overlap of the mesh over the fascia margin on each side has to be provided.~These are all standard techniques in incisional hernia repair."