At a minimum, the blocked bowel may disrupt the digestive system. That describes a strangulated hernia, and both incarcerated and strangulated hernias require treatment with the utmost urgency. Usually treatment for a non-complicated inguinal hernia is an outpatient surgical procedure. An older child will be uncomfortable for just a few days. A hydrocele can mimic a hernia.
Many hydroceles go away on their own.
However, if one becomes extremely large, it can be easily corrected with surgery. It's a common, pain-free condition experienced by both boys and girls. After birth, this hole in the baby's abdominal wall heals and closes. Again, parents often discover these hernias before their doctor does. An umbilical hernia can become apparent in the first few months of life, but also may not be noticeable until much later.