Is surgery the only treatment of inguinal hernia in a toddler? is there any other option if it's not that bad?

Only option : It would be nice if these could be treated non-surgically, but there is no other option. Inguinal hernia, unlike umbilical hernia in children is thought to have a lower overall risk for repair rather than observation. See a pediatric surgeon for a more complete evualuation. Appointment in the next week or two should be ok if there are no symptoms. If severe pain, head to an ER. Hope this helps!

Not that bad ???: It may not be hurting him now but would you really want to face the risk. This means there is a defect in the tissues that keep his intestines in place in the abdomen. If a loop of intestines slip out and get trapped, the blood supply can be cut off and lead to dead bowel. Emergency surgery in the middle of the night is never a good idea. Once identified this should be fixed within 2 weeks or less