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.

Hernia repair is performed as an outpatient procedure using local or general anesthesia. First, through an incision, the segment of bowel is placed back into the abdominal cavity. Next, the muscle and fascia are stitched closed to repair the hernia. A piece of plastic mesh is often used to reinforce the defect in the abdominal wall.

You will return from surgery with a large dressing over the surgical site. This dressing will remain in place for a day or two. Occasionally a corset or support may be used after surgery to support weak muscles during recovery.

Potential complications of this procedure include infection and abscess formation. Medications may be prescribed to manage the pain associated with surgical repair.

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

An incarcerated hernia can lead to a strangulated intestine, which can result in gangrene, a life-threatening condition requiring emergency surgery.

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.

Patient Care Committee. Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. Surgical repair of groin hernias. SSAT patient care guidelines. J of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2004; 8(3): 365-6.

Hachisuka T. Femoral Hernia Repair. Surg Clin North Am. 2003; 83(5): 1189-1205.

Awad SS. Current approaches to inguinal hernia repair. Am J Surg. 2004; 188(6A Suppl): 9S-16S.