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Hernia

Hernia - inguinal; Inguinal hernia; Direct and indirect hernia; Rupture; Strangulation; Incarceration

A hernia is a sac formed by the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). The sac comes through a hole or weak area in the strong layer of the belly wall that surrounds the muscle. This layer is called the fascia.

Which type of hernia you have depends on where it is:

Images

Inguinal hernia

Presentation

Inguinal hernia repair - series

Causes

Usually, there is no clear cause of a hernia. Sometimes, hernias can occur due to:

Hernias may be present at birth, but the bulge may not be evident until later in life. Some people have a family history of hernias.

Babies and children can get hernias. It happens when there is weakness in the belly wall. Inguinal hernias are common in boys. Some children do not have symptoms until they are adults.

Any activity or medical problem that increases pressure on the tissue in the belly wall and muscles may lead to a hernia, including:

Symptoms

There are usually no symptoms other than a visible bulge. Some people have discomfort or pain. The discomfort may be worse when standing, straining, or lifting heavy objects. In time, the most common complaint is a bump that is sore and growing.

When a hernia gets bigger, it may get stuck inside the hole and lose its blood supply. This is called strangulation. This causes pain and swelling at the site of strangulation. Symptoms may include:

When this occurs, surgery is needed right away.

Exams and Tests

The health care provider can usually see or feel a hernia when you are examined. You may be asked to cough, bend, push, or lift. The hernia may get bigger when you do this.

The hernia (bulge) may not be easily seen in infants and children, except when the child is crying or coughing.

Ultrasound or CT scan may be done to look for a hernia.

If there is a blockage in the bowel, an x-ray of the abdomen will likely be done.

Treatment

Surgery is the only treatment that can permanently fix a hernia. Surgery may be more risky for people with serious medical problems.

Surgery repairs the weakened abdominal wall tissue (fascia) and closes any holes. Most hernias are closed with stitches and sometimes with mesh patches to plug the hole.

An umbilical hernia that does not heal on its own by the time a child is 5 years old will likely be repaired.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcome for most hernias is usually good with treatment. It is rare for a hernia to come back. Incisional hernias are more likely to return.

Possible Complications

In rare cases, inguinal hernia repair can damage structures involved in the function of a man's testicles.

Another risk of hernia surgery is nerve damage, which can lead to numbness in the groin area.

If a part of the bowel was trapped or strangulated before surgery, bowel perforation or dead bowel may result.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider right away if you have:

Contact your provider if you have:

Prevention

To prevent a hernia:

Related Information

Femoral hernia
Lump in the abdomen
Umbilical hernia repair
Femoral hernia repair
Inguinal hernia repair
Inguinal hernia repair - discharge

References

Aiken JJ. Inguinal hernias. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 373.

Poulose BK, Carbonell AM, Rosen MJ. Hernias. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 45.

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Review Date: 8/22/2022  

Reviewed By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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