 [ Symptoms ] should all hernias be repaired [ Disease ] 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