Hernias generally get larger with time, and they usually do not resolve on their own. If the patient's health permits surgery, elective surgical repair will be performed to prevent discomfort and to prevent complications such as incarceration and strangulation.

Most hernias can be manually pushed back into the abdominal cavity, but using trusses or corsets to keep them in place cannot prevent complications.

A hernia that cannot be forced back into the abdominal wall by pressure may be trapped or strangulated. Without treatment, a strangulated section of the intestine will die because the blood supply is inadequate. Urgent surgery is required for incarcerated or strangulated hernias.

Often, a piece of plastic mesh is surgically implanted to repair the defect in the abdominal wall.

The outcome is usually quite good if the hernia is treated properly. The rate of hernia recurrence after surgical repair is generally less than 3%.

A strangulated intestine can result in gangrene, a life-threatening condition requiring emergency surgery.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if a hernia cannot be pushed back into the abdomen by gentle pressure, or if nausea or vomiting develop.