What happens if a ventral hernia ruptures?

Serious: It is very rare for a hernia to break through the skin or "rupture". More commonly, but still unlikely, the contents of the hernia (the stuff coming through the hole in the abdominal wall) can become stuck or incarcerated. In its worst form, this can cause gangrene and require emergency surgery to save your life. Again, thi is uncommon, but also unpredictable.

hernia is a rupture: The term hernia means a rupture of the tissues. This allows organs to protrude through the resultant hole causing a buldge. Sometimes the organ protruding through can get trapped (incarcerated) and sometimes squeezed so tightly that the blood supply is cut off (strangulated) strangulation can result in bowel perforation and infection. Hernias are repaired to stop pain and prevent strangulation.

Strangulated hernia: The greatest danger of a hernia is the risk of strangulation. This occurs as a result of the intestines becoming trapped in the hernia and the blood supply becoming constricted. This is a sequela of an incarcerated hernia (one in which the hernia cannot be pushed back in). Incarcerated hernias should be evaluated immediately to prevent strangulation.