In some cases, if a hernia is showing signs of complications, your doctor will recommend surgery if the following symptoms arrive: ● If the hernia is causing pain, discomfort and limiting activity ● If the hernia is enlarging ● If the tissue has become trapped in your abdominal wall, this is called incarceration and will need to dealt with expediently ● If your hernia has become strangulated  - this is a surgical emergency requiring urgent intervention.