The risk of  having a loop of intestine or omental tissue in the hernia is that it can become trapped (incarcerated) and the blood supply can become choked off (strangulated).  If this happens, the tissue will become starved for nutrients and supplies normally provided by the blood flow (ischemic).  The final stage is that the tissue begins to die (necrosis).  When this happens, within a matter of hours, the intestines can break open (perforation) and the patient can develop PERITONITIS, septic shock, organ system failure and possibly even death.  This can be a very difficult situation to treat when it is in a life threatening advanced stage.  Often, sections of the intestine must be cut out, and ostomies created on the abdominal wall skin. The abdomen may be left open for days while the patient is in the intensive care unit.  Eventually, the abdomen is closed and the patient sent home.  After months or years, the ostomies are taken down and the intestine reconnected.  However, there will always be a risk of internal scarring and adhesions in the future.  It is much simpler and easier to fix it LONG BEFORE IT PROGRESSES TO THAT POINT.  All this patient will have is a small scar in his groin.