Incarcerated Hernia: Symptoms, Risks, and Emergency Signs

An incarcerated hernia happens when part of the intestine or abdominal tissue becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back into place. This condition can cut off blood flow, leading to serious complications. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking prompt care is critical.

What Is an Incarcerated Hernia?

Incarceration means “trapped.” In hernias, it occurs when protruding tissue gets stuck in the muscle opening and cannot move back inside the abdomen.

While any hernia can become incarcerated, it’s most common with:

• Inguinal hernias (groin)
• Femoral hernias (upper thigh/groin)
• Umbilical hernias (belly button)

Incarcerated hernias are considered a surgical emergency.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of incarceration:

• Increased abdominal pressure from heavy lifting, chronic cough, obesity, or straining during bowel movements
• Constipation, which forces pressure on the hernia
• Fluid buildup near the hernia, sometimes from the bladder or surrounding tissues
• Scar tissue after abdominal or hernia surgery, which can trap herniated tissue

Symptoms to Watch For

If your hernia becomes incarcerated, you may notice:

• Severe abdominal or groin pain
• Swelling or firmness at the hernia site
• Nausea or vomiting
• A bulge that becomes more visible and cannot be pushed back in
• Redness or skin discoloration around the bulge

Seek immediate medical care if these symptoms appear.

Incarcerated vs. Strangulated Hernias

The terms are often confused, but they’re not the same:

• Incarcerated hernia – trapped tissue, may still have blood flow
• Strangulated hernia – blood supply cut off to trapped tissue

Strangulated hernias cause intense pain, fever, chills, fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, and bluish or purple skin discoloration. This is life-threatening and requires emergency surgery.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors diagnose incarcerated hernias through a physical exam and, if needed, imaging such as ultrasound or CT scan.

Because they rarely resolve on their own, the treatment is almost always surgery:

• Herniorrhaphy – pushing tissue back into place and repairing the abdominal wall
• Hernioplasty – reinforcing the wall with sutures or surgical mesh

Both laparoscopic (minimally invasive) and open surgery options are available, depending on the case.

Take Action Early

Ignoring an incarcerated hernia can lead to dangerous complications. At Hernia Innovations, we specialize in advanced hernia surgery and personalized treatment plans to restore your health and prevent recurrence.

Call us today at (925) 940-1025 or book your consultation online to discuss your treatment options.