What is the difference between Strangulated and Incarcerated?

Answer 1

A "Strangulated Hernia" occurs when adipose tissue (fat) or intestine pushes through a tear in the abdominal wall muscles. There are many possible causes including, tight clothing, heavy lifting, hard cough, a fall or blow to the abdomen. This type of hernia may be reducible (many times the hernia can be pushed back through the tear in the muscle manually) and may or may not have associated pain. These kind of hernias when reducible are not considered a medical emergency. If reduced they are however very likely to reoccur in the absence of surgical correction. This kind of hernia presents little danger and is not life threatening.

An "Incarcerated Hernia" is always painful. The tissue or intestine that emerges through the tear in the muscle wall becomes swollen and tightly trapped a degree that the blood supply to the tissue is seriously reduced or cut off. These hernias can not be reduced manually. This may or may not be associated with bowel obstruction. Fever, nausea, and vomiting are frequent symptoms but not always present. Tissue ischemia, necrosis and possible rupture are immediate dangers. This type of hernia is considered a medical emergency and must be surgically corrected without delay once diagnosed. If rupture occurs there is a high morbidity and mortality rate.

This definition is not intended to diagnosis, or treat hernia or any other medical condition. If you suspect that you have a hernia you should seek professional medical help immediately.

Answer 2

Strangulated means that blood flow is compromised to a part of the body due to constriction, while incarcerated means that there is a blockage of a structure, such as an organ or tissue, often by being trapped or unable to move. Strangulated hernias are a specific type of hernia where the blood supply is compromised, while incarcerated hernias may not have compromised blood flow but are still trapped.