Clinical classification of hernias
Reducible hernia:
In this type of hernia, the contents of the hernial sac can be reduced (pushed back) into their actual cavity but the sac remains at its own place. It is referred to as an uncomplicated hernia.
Irreducible hernia:
In this type, the hernia contents cannot be pushed back into their actual cavity due to adhesion of the contents to each other and to the hernia sac. It can be confused with a strangulated hernia as a strangulated hernia is also an obstructed hernia. However, in an obstructed hernia, the swelling is severely tender.
Obstructed hernia:
The hernia that obstructs the intestinal contents from flowing or moving into the lumen of the bowel is called an obstructed hernia. Blood supply may be compromised.
Strangulated hernia:
An irreducible, obstructed hernia that leads to a blockage of the blood supply to the hernia contents. A strangulated hernia does not show on coughing. It is an emergency which must be managed immediately.
Inflamed hernia:
The hernia that contains inflamed abdominal contents such as inflamed appendix.
In this type of hernia, the contents of the hernial sac can be reduced (pushed back) into their actual cavity but the sac remains at its own place. It is referred to as an uncomplicated hernia.
Irreducible hernia:
In this type, the hernia contents cannot be pushed back into their actual cavity due to adhesion of the contents to each other and to the hernia sac. It can be confused with a strangulated hernia as a strangulated hernia is also an obstructed hernia. However, in an obstructed hernia, the swelling is severely tender.
Obstructed hernia:
The hernia that obstructs the intestinal contents from flowing or moving into the lumen of the bowel is called an obstructed hernia. Blood supply may be compromised.
Strangulated hernia:
An irreducible, obstructed hernia that leads to a blockage of the blood supply to the hernia contents. A strangulated hernia does not show on coughing. It is an emergency which must be managed immediately.
Inflamed hernia:
The hernia that contains inflamed abdominal contents such as inflamed appendix.