What are incarcerated and strangulated inguinal hernias?

An incarcerated inguinal hernia is a hernia that becomes stuck in the groin or scrotum and cannot be massaged back into the abdomen. An incarcerated hernia is caused by swelling and can lead to a strangulated hernia, in which the blood supply to the incarcerated small intestine is jeopardized. A strangulated hernia is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a strangulated hernia are as follows:

Left untreated, nausea, vomiting, and severe infection can occur. If surgery is not performed immediately, the condition can become life threatening, and the affected intestine may die. In such cases, the dead portion of the intestine has to be removed.

This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.