Treatment:

Most hernias can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity. However, if it cannot be pushed back through the abdominal wall, this can lead to a strangulated loop of intestine. If left untreated, this portion of the intestine dies because of loss of blood supply.

Almost all hernias require surgery, preferably before complications occur, to reposition the herniated loop of intestine and secure the weakened muscles in the abdomen.

For information on such surgery, see hernia repair.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is usually good with treatment. Recurrence is rare (1-3%).

Complications:

An incarcerated hernia can lead to a strangulated intestine, which can result in gangrene, a life-threatening condition requiring emergency surgery. In rare cases, inguinal hernia repair can damage structures involved in the function of a man's testicles.

Another risk of hernia surgery is nerve damage, which can lead to numbness in the groin area.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your doctor right away if:

• You have a hernia and the contents cannot be pushed back into the abdomen using gentle pressure
• You develop nausea, vomiting, or a fever with your hernia
• The hernia becomes red, purple, dark, or discolored

Call your doctor if:

• You have groin pain, swelling, or a bulge
• An umbilical hernia fails to heal on its own by the time your child is 5 years old