While elective hernia surgery has a relatively low risk, strangulated hernia can present with more complications.
Sometimes, wound infection from bacteria in the bowel can happen especially when there is a need for bowel resection. To prevent infection, the patient is given prophylactic antibiotics prior to the surgery for strangulated hernia.
Other possible complications are:
- Anaesthetic complications
- Leakage from the bowel anastomosis if bowel resection was performed
- Recurrence of the hernia