What’s an incarcerated inguinal hernia?

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An incarcerated inguinal hernia occurs when herniated intestinal tissue becomes trapped and compromises blood flow, posing a serious health risk. Diagnosis involves physical examination and imaging tests, and treatment usually requires surgery to restore the tissue to its anatomical location. Symptoms can include pressure, burning, pain, nausea, and disruption in bowel habits. Immediate surgery is necessary to prevent tissue deterioration, and a mesh material may be used for reinforcement.

An incarcerated inguinal hernia is a condition in which the location of the herniated intestinal tissue compromises blood flow. Considered a hernia complication, an incarcerated inguinal hernia poses a serious health risk and can lead to significant complications. Treatment for an incarcerated inguinal hernia often requires surgery to restore the compromised tissue to its anatomical location.

Normally, an inguinal hernia can be diagnosed during a physical and palpatory examination of the groin area. The individual is usually instructed to cough, which puts strain on the groin muscles, allowing the hernia to become visible. Symptoms that indicate an incarcerated inguinal hernia usually require further imaging tests, including ultrasound. Imaging tests allow for a better assessment of the extent of the hernia and the condition of the tissues involved.

An inguinal hernia occurs when weakened abdominal tissue ruptures, allowing intestinal tissue to protrude into the groin. Whether the hernia is congenital or due to injury, surgery is usually done to restore the intestinal tissue to its normal position and repair the abdominal injury. Herniated tissue is considered to be incarcerated when tissue becomes trapped in the tear and becomes inflamed, which threatens proper blood circulation and tissue health.

Intestinal tissue thought to be incarcerated requires surgery to prevent organ damage and complications. An incarcerated hernia can progress rapidly to becoming strangulated, eventually contributing to tissue necrosis or death. In the event of strangulation, the affected areas must be excised to prevent further damage.

Aside from the lump that creates the herniated tissue, the signs and symptoms of an inguinal hernia can vary depending on the severity. Some people may describe a feeling of pressure in the affected area, while others may feel burning or pain. Herniated tissue usually causes some degree of discomfort and sometimes a feeling of weakness. When herniated intestinal tissue becomes trapped, symptoms usually worsen to include nausea, abdominal discomfort, and fever. In some cases, individuals may also experience a disruption in their bowel habits characterized by constipation and pronounced cramping.

Once an incarcerated inguinal hernia is discovered, the individual is usually prepped for immediate surgery. When blood circulation to the herniated tissue is impaired, it’s only a matter of time before the affected tissue begins to deteriorate. During surgery, the treating surgeon repositions the intestinal tissue and closes the abdominal lesion. In most cases, a mesh material is placed over the weakened abdominal tissue as reinforcement to help prevent future tears.




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