Hernia Hernia Complications and Emergencies

Question 1

What is the most feared acute complication of a hernia?

Accepted Answer

Strangulation

Answer

Strangulation—compromise of the blood supply to the herniated organ—is the most dangerous complication, leading to ischemia, necrosis, and sepsis.

Question 2

What percentage of untreated femoral hernias are said to be at high risk of strangulation compared to inguinal hernias?

Accepted Answer

Femoral hernias have a much higher strangulation risk (up to 40%) than inguinal

Answer

Femoral hernias have a significantly higher strangulation rate (approximately 40%) compared to inguinal hernias because the femoral ring is narrower and rigid.

Question 3

What surgical procedure is performed when strangulated bowel is found to be non-viable at hernia repair?

Accepted Answer

Bowel resection with anastomosis

Answer

Non-viable (necrotic) bowel must be resected and the two healthy ends reconnected (anastomosis) to restore bowel continuity.

Question 4

Incarceration differs from strangulation in that incarceration indicates what?

Accepted Answer

The hernia contents are trapped but blood supply is still intact

Answer

Incarceration means the hernia cannot be reduced but does not necessarily imply vascular compromise, whereas strangulation additionally means blood supply is cut off.

Question 5

Which post-operative hernia complication presents with fever, wound erythema, and purulent discharge?

Accepted Answer

Wound infection

Answer

Wound infection after hernia repair presents with the classic signs of inflammation (fever, redness, warmth) and purulent drainage from the incision.

Hernia Practice Test

Hernia Practice Test

Hernia Hernia Complications and Emergencies