Hernia - What Is Hernia

A hernia occurs when an organ or part of an organ pushes through an opening in the sorrounding membrane or wall. Most hernias occur in the abdominal area.

Hiatal Hernia (Hiatus Hernia, Diaphragmatic Hernia)

Hiatal hernia occurs when a part of the stomach or intestine protrudes through the small opening in the diaphragm(See Image). This may cause heartburn, a painful, burning feeling in the chest that results from stomach acid flowing back up through the opening. (Related Topic: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Inguinal Hernia

Occurs when a small part of the large intestine or bladder pushes or protrudes through the groin(See Image). This may cause pain and feelings of pressure or burning in the groin. Inguinal hernia often requires surgery. (View topic on Inguinal Hernia)

Source:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) (February, 2000). Digestive Diseases Dictionary (NIH Publication No. 00-2750). Retrieved January 28, 2008, from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health.

Image Credit: NIDDK Image Library. National Institutes of Health

Page Last Revised: August 26, 2011

Inguinal Hernia - About Inguinal Hernia

A hernia is a condition in which part of the intestine bulges through a weak area in muscles in the abdomen. An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin (the area between the abdomen and thigh). It is called "inguinal" because the intestines push through a weak spot in the inguinal canal, which is a triangle-shaped opening between layers of abdominal muscle near the groin. Obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, and straining to pass stool can cause the intestine to push against the inguinal canal.

Symptoms of Inguinal Hernia

Symptoms of inguinal hernia may include a lump in the groin near the thigh; pain in the groin; and, in severe cases, partial or complete blockage of the intestine. The doctor diagnoses hernia by doing a physical exam and by taking x rays and blood tests to check for blockage in the intestine.

Treatment

The main treatment for inguinal hernia is surgery to repair the opening in the muscle wall. This surgery is called herniorrhaphy. Sometimes the weak area is reinforced with steel mesh or wire. This operation is called hernioplasty. If the protruding intestine becomes twisted or traps stool, part of the intestine might need to be removed. This surgery is called bowel resection. (Bowel is another word for intestine.)

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Resources:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Gastroparesis and Diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 02–4634, January 2002.

Image Credit: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 00-2750,February 2000.

Page Last Reviewed: February 7, 2011