A hernia is a condition in which tissue from inside the abdomen bulges out through a weak spot in the muscles of the abdominal wall. A strangulated hernia occurs when the tissue gets trapped very tightly in the hernia and its blood supply is cut off.

A strangulated hernia is rare but can cause bulging, swelling, and severe pain. In more serious cases, it can cause severe bleeding, death of the tissue (gangrene), and serious bacterial infection of the blood (septicemia).

Immediate surgery is always needed for a strangulated hernia.