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Hernia
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Digestive System

Hernia

A hernia occurs when internal tissue bulges through a weak muscle area, most commonly in the abdomen. Surgery is usually required to prevent pain and complications.

Overview

A hernia happens when part of an internal organ or tissue bulges through a weak area of muscle. Most hernias are in the abdomen.

Types

  • Inguinal, in the groin. This is the most common type.
  • Umbilical, around the belly button.
  • Incisional, through a scar.
  • Hiatal, a small opening in the diaphragm that allows the upper part of the stomach to move up into the chest.
  • Congenital diaphragmatic, a birth defect that needs surgery.

Causes & Risk Factors

Hernias are common and can affect men, women, and children. A combination of muscle weakness and straining, such as with heavy lifting, might contribute. Some people are born with weak abdominal muscles and may be more likely to get a hernia.

Treatment & Management

Treatment is usually surgery to repair the opening in the muscle wall. Untreated hernias can cause pain and health problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients undergoing minimally invasive hernia repair can resume light, sedentary activities within a few days to one week. However, heavy lifting (generally anything over 10 to 15 pounds), strenuous abdominal exercise, and vigorous straining must be avoided for approximately 4 to 6 weeks to allow the surgical site and internal mesh to fully integrate and scar into the tissue. Following post-op guidelines precisely minimizes the risk of hernia recurrence.
Open hernia repair uses a single incision directly over the bulge to push tissue back and repair the wall, while laparoscopic or robotic repair uses several small incisions, a camera, and specialized tools, typically resulting in less postoperative pain and faster initial recovery. In most adult cases, surgeons place a biocompatible prosthetic mesh to reinforce the weakened area because tension-free mesh repairs carry a significantly lower recurrence rate compared to simply stitching native tissue together.
n incarcerated hernia occurs when protruding tissue becomes trapped outside the abdominal wall, while strangulation means the blood supply to that trapped tissue has been cut off, which is a life-threatening surgical emergency. Signs of strangulation include sudden and rapidly worsening pain, an inability to push the bulge back in (non-reducible), the bulge turning red, purple, or dark, severe nausea, vomiting, inability to pass gas or stool, and a high fever. If these symptoms occur, proceed immediately to an emergency room.
No. A hernia is a mechanical defect in the supportive muscle or fascia wall, and the tissue opening cannot close or repair itself in adults. While supportive garments such as abdominal binders or hernia trusses can provide temporary symptom relief by holding tissue in place, they do not cure the underlying defect. Surgery is generally recommended for symptomatic or growing hernias to prevent future strangulation or bowel obstruction.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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