Burst Hernia Symptoms

Hernias are defined as “protrusions of an organ or tissue through an opening in its surrounding walls, especially in the abdominal region." They are relatively common and easily treatable. However, complications can occur in rare cases, making hernias dangerous and life threatening. Perhaps the worst of these is the burst hernia. In reading about hernias, you will generally find “burst” used in two ways. The first is not so serious, the second is life threatening.

Burst Hernia Repairs

Many times, hernias are caused because there is a hole in the abdominal wall. If this is the case, surgery to close the hole may be recommended. This is not a surefire cure, though. In some case, the repairs may burst open 1. This means the repair did not hold.

Signs Hernia Repairs Burst

If you have had hernia repair, you will know it has burst if your hernia returns. You will see the return of the bulge caused by the hernia, along with the same types of pain you felt originally. The hernia needs to be repaired once again to keep from getting sepsis.

Signs of Serious Hernia Problems

One sign of a hernia is that it can generally be pushed back inside the abdominal wall or reduced. Because of entanglements with other organs and tissue, some hernias can’t be reduced. These hernias are more painful and can cause bowel obstruction, nausea and vomiting. The danger with these hernias is that the blood supply can be cut off. This is called strangulation. Once the blood supply is cut off, the tissue can die in as few as six hours. The hernia will be painful and tender if this is the case. The person with the hernia may even look and feel ill, but won’t have a fever. At this point, the hernia has become a medical emergency that requires surgery.

Burst Hernia

If the strangulation is severe enough, the portion of intestine being strangled may burst open, causing intense pain. You would then become septic and have a high fever. At this point, surgical repair becomes a medical emergency.

Seek Medical Care

If you find any hernias or believe you have symptoms that could indicate a hernia, visit your doctor. While you might not feel discomfort at first, burst hernias are serious. Both types of burst hernias can cause sepsis, which is a poisoning of the blood from the introduction of putrefied material.