This is why hernias are commoner at the extremes of age - in the young and again in the old. In the young we see those hernias which have been left open since birth, and in age we see those which have given way to life's repeated pressures at a time when general tissue weakening is beginning to tell. If they do, an incisional hernia is the result. Wound infection, obesity, constipation, prostatism, asthma, bronchitis, cancer, chemotherapy, ascites, cirrhosis and malnutrition are but some of the risk factors associated with incisional hernia formation. Often these are massive in size, usually much larger than inguinal hernias.
Many hernias produce pain and prevent exertion, interfering with normal life.
However, pain and discomfort aside, hernias are dangerous, presenting an actual threat to life. The usual substance which herneates or protrudes through the hernia, is bowel. So long as it can return without difficulty, the danger is small. However, should gut protrude through the hernia and then become twisted or kinked in a manner which prevents its return to the abdomen, the situation could in quick order become dangerous. Bowel obstruction could ensue, and the associated swelling may increase the pressures so that blood flow to the trapped bowel is stopped.