A Typical hernia is a weakness or tear in the abdominal wall which allows the inner lining of the abdomen to push through and form a sac. The hernia may fill with intestine or tissue which then may become incarcerated or obstructed causing a potentially serious health risk.
Hernias can occur at birth or over time due to stress and strain.
There are different types of hernias, but the overwhelming majority occur in the abdominal wall at the groin, the naval, or at the site of imperfectly healed surgical incisions. An easy way to envision a hernia is to think of a tire. When an abnormal opening occurs in a tire, the inner tube protrudes from the opening. Similarly, a hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through an abnormal opening. Hernias are usually easily recognized.