Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which type of hernia is known to result in necrosis of the viscera?

1. Irreducible

2. Strangulated

3. Femoral

4. Sliding

The correct answer is: Strangulated

A strangulated hernia occurs when the blood supply to the herniated tissue is compromised, leading to ischemia and potentially resulting in necrosis of the affected viscera. In this situation, the hernia sac creates a constricted space that traps the intestine or other organs, inhibiting blood flow. This condition is considered a surgical emergency because, without timely intervention, the affected tissue can die due to lack of oxygen, creating a significant risk for complications such as sepsis. Understanding this mechanism is critical for surgical technologists, as it influences the urgency of treatment and the care needed during surgical procedures to either reduce the hernia or perform a resection of necrotic tissue if necessary. Other types of hernias may lead to complications, but only a strangulated hernia directly causes the degree of vascular compromise that leads to necrosis of the tissues involved.