should all hernias be repaired?
in general hernias that are at risk for complications that cause pain or that limit activity should be repaired. if they are not repaired there is a risk that an emergency surgical procedure may be required at a later date. sometimes a hernia can be temporarily controlled by wearing a belt-like device that applies external compression which pushes the tissues back into the abdomen and holds them there. this device is called a truss. the truss must be carefully applied on a daily basis. it should only be used for selected situations following careful evaluation by a doctor.