What Is a Hernia?

A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in the body. Most hernias occur when a piece of intestine slips through a weakness in the abdominal wall, creating a bulge you can see and feel. Hernias can develop in the groin (inguinal hernia), around the navel (umbilical hernia), or any place where you may have had a surgical incision (ventral hernia). Some hernias are present at birth; others develop slowly over a period of months or years. Hernias can also come on quite suddenly.

Think of a hernia as a bulge in a tire. The outer wall of the tire is like your abdominal wall. The inner tube of the tire is like your intestines. Most of the time, the outer wall of the tire is strong enough to hold the inner tube, but if the wall weakens, a bulge may occur. This is just like the way a hernia may form in a weakness in the abdominal wall.

Symptoms:

A hernia can be both seen and felt. You may notice it as a lump in your abdomen or groin that may or may not disappear when you lay down or press on it. You may also be aware of a dull aching sensation that becomes more pronounced when you are active. The bulge may get bigger over time.

Causes:

It is not uncommon for someone to be born with a weakness in their abdominal wall. The weakness can also occur over time or from a previous surgical incision. Pressure from organs or tissue pushing on the weakness can cause a hernia. Age, smoking and obesity can also contribute to weakened tissue.

Risk Factors:

Inguinal hernias are more common in men than women. A hernia will not get better on its own. If a hernia is not repaired, it could become incarcerated (trapped) or strangulated. Strangulation is dangerous because a loop of intestine can get caught in the hernia and cut off blood supply to the tissue and is treated as a medical emergency. If a man has a strangulated hernia, the chance of damage to the testicle increases.

Diagnosis:

Your physician will be able to evaluate your condition, primarily with a physical examination, and determine whether or not you have a hernia. Your physician will then refer you to consult with a surgeon.