Final answer:
Incarceration of a hernia involves trapped tissue that cannot be reduced, potentially leading to bowel obstruction without directly affecting blood supply. Strangulation is a critical stage where the incarcerated tissue's blood supply is compromised, threatening tissue death and requiring emergency surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Incarceration of a hernia occurs when herniated tissue becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen. Strangulation is a severe and life-threatening condition where the blood supply to the incarcerated tissue is cut off, leading to tissue death.
In an incarcerated hernia, the herniated content is irreducible due to swelling or a narrow hernial defect, but the blood supply may remain intact. This condition causes discomfort and possible bowel obstruction, but without immediate risk of tissue damage.
Strangulation is a progression from incarceration where the entrapped tissue loses its blood supply, which can quickly lead to necrosis. Symptoms include severe pain, redness, and tenderness over the herniated area, often accompanied by systemic signs of infection and shock if not treated promptly. Immediate surgical intervention is necessary to prevent further complications and death.