Does a hernia necessarily require surgical treatment to be cured?

Patient's question:

Patient: Male, 3 years old. Before the age of 1, there was a swelling in the left thigh groin area after episodes of forceful crying or prolonged crying. The swelling could be resolved with cold compress or gentle massage.
History of treatment and effectiveness: No treatment administered. A pediatrician recommended surgery.
Desired help: Seeking consultation on whether surgical treatment is necessary to alleviate the condition. Are there any other better treatment methods available?

Doctor's answer:

It's not necessarily necessary to have surgery. Children have relatively high intra-abdominal pressure, and their abdominal muscles haven't fully developed, making them prone to developing hernias. For smaller hernias with a diameter of less than 1.5 cm, most can be resolved within 2 years as the child grows and the abdominal wall strengthens. A hernia belt can be used for treatment, which is simple to operate and has a good effect. If there's no improvement by the age of two, surgical treatment should be considered.

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