If the bulge flattens out when you lie down or push against it, the hernia is reducible. If the hernia caused by pressure from internal organs becomes trapped, the bulge may not be flattened out and can produce a non-reducible hernia which can disrupt digestion and require prompt surgery. If surgery is not performed to correct this weakness, the intestines may become trapped or strangulated and lose their blood supply. This will then require emergency surgery. When a hernia is diagnosed, prompt surgical repair is usually recommended because it will not go away by itself and can develop serious complications.
Hernias can occur in any weak or torn part of the abdominal wall.
An incisional hernia usually protrudes through the scars of previous surgical incisions and can develop years after the initial surgery. An umbilical hernia looks like an inflated navel and is caused by a weakness at birth or is acquired over time. The most common hernias occur in the groin area. An indirect hernia is the result of a natural weakness at the internal ring and can extend all the way into the scrotum. A direct inguinal hernia occurs less frequently and is usually caused by an acquired weakness in the groin area near the internal ring.