Hernia

The protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak area in the muscle or other tissue that normally contains it. The term is usually applied to a protrusion of the intestine through the abdominal wall. In a hiatus hernia, the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and into the chest. Abdominal hernias are usually due to a congenital weakness in the wall of the abdomen. The hernias may result from damage caused by lifting heavy objects, persistent coughing, or straining to defaecate, or may develop after an operation. There are several types of hernia, and they are classified according to their location in the body. The most important are inguinal hernias, which mainly affect men; femoral hernias, which are more common in overweight women; and umbilical hernias, which occur in babies. The 1st symptom of an abdominal hernia is usually a bulge in the abdominal wall. There may also be abdominal discomfort. Sometimes the protruding intestine can be pushed back into place. Severe pain occurs when the hernia bulges out and cannot be put back; surgery (see hernia repair) is usually necessary. If the blood supply to a twisted, trapped portion of intestine becomes impaired (a strangulated hernia), gangrene of the bowel may develop. A strangulated hernia requires urgent treatment. Umbilical hernias in babies can usually be left untreated as they tend to disappear naturally by age 5.