What is a hernia?
Hernia is a protrusion (lump or bulge) of body tissues through an abdominal opening in the walls of its containing cavity. The lump usually contains a piece of bowel or abdominal fatty tissue. This usually happens because of weakness in the abdominal wall.
Inguinal hernia, femoral hernia, paraumbilical hernia and epigastric hernia are some examples of abdominal hernia. Among the types of hernias, inguinal, femoral and umbilical hernias are the most common hernias making seventy five percent of the cases, each requiring specific management or treatment.
Inguinal hernia, femoral hernia, paraumbilical hernia and epigastric hernia are some examples of abdominal hernia. Among the types of hernias, inguinal, femoral and umbilical hernias are the most common hernias making seventy five percent of the cases, each requiring specific management or treatment.
Hernias can be asymptomatic (have no symptoms). However, some have the potential risk of having their blood supply cut off (becoming strangulated). If the blood supply is cut off at the hernia opening in the abdominal wall, it becomes a medical emergency.