What is an abdominal hernia?

An abdominal hernia, also known as a "hernia," is the protrusion of internal abdominal tissues, such as the intestines or fats, through an opening in the abdominal wall due to a weakness or looseness in the muscles. The hernia appears as a noticeable bulge or protrusion in the abdomen or lower abdominal area. (1)


What are the types of abdominal hernia?

There are several types of hernia, which vary based on their location, including: (2)(3)


  • Inguinal hernia

This is the most common type, especially among men; it constitutes 75% of abdominal hernia. It occurs in the inguinal region (the area between the lower abdomen and the thigh, near the groin). Researches indicates that 27% of men and 3% of women will experience this type of hernia in their lifetime.


  • Incisional hernia

This typically occurs after abdominal surgery, appearing as a bulge at the site of the surgical incision.


  • Femoral hernia

This hernia occurs in the thigh.


  • Umbilical hernia

This hernia occurs near the belly button and is more common in newborns after birth. It often resolves on its own as the child grows.


  • Hiatal hernia

This occurs when the upper part of the stomach protrudes through an opening in the diaphragm into the chest.



Abdominal Hernia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment


Symptoms of Abdominal Hernia

The symptoms of a hernia are noticeable, typically appearing as a lump, swelling, or protrusion under the skin, which may become more prominent during various activities, laughter, or coughing. Abdominal hernia can also be accompanied by pain or discomfort. (1)


In some cases, a hernia can become dangerous if it is trapped in a specific area, known as an incarcerated hernia. This condition causes severe symptoms, including intense pain, nausea, vomiting, and significant redness in the hernia area. Immediate emergency care is necessary for urgent surgical intervention. (1)

Causes of Abdominal Hernia

An abdominal hernia occurs when there is weakness or looseness in a part of the abdominal muscles due to the following reasons: (4)


  • Lifting heavy objects frequently.
  • Obesity.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Excessive straining during defecating or urinating.
  • Injury or surgery in the abdomen.
  • Aging.
  • Chronic cough.
  • Some congenital defects.
  • A history of previous hernia.


How is an Abdominal Hernia Diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose a hernia through a physical examination, which reveals the protrusion. The doctor may ask you to cough or change your sitting position to help identify the hernia. In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scans may be used to confirm the diagnosis. (2)


What is the Treatment for Abdominal Hernia?

The treatment for an abdominal hernia depends on the size of the hernia and the symptoms it causes. If the hernia is small and does not cause uncomfortable symptoms, the doctor may choose to monitor it without surgical intervention. (2)

However, if the hernia is large and causes significant symptoms, it should be treated surgically. Leaving it untreated can worsen the symptoms and lead to complications such as bowel incarceration or obstruction. (Except for umbilical hernias in infants, which typically resolve on their own by the time the child is 3-4 years old.). (2)


The good news is that the surgery is often simple and low-risk, performed either through laparoscopic surgery or traditional open surgery. During the procedure, the tissues / intestines are returned to their proper place, and the opening is closed securely to prevent the hernia from recurring. (1)




Act quickly to treat an abdominal hernia before complications develop! Ask our surgeons at Al-Ahli Hospital General and Bariatric Surgery Center about any questions or concerns regarding hernia surgery, and be assured that you are in safe hands.





References