hernia

the protrusion of a part or whole of an organ from out of its normal position within the body cavity. Most commonly, a hernia involves part of the INTESTINE . A CONGENITAL hernia is present at birth, a common one being an umbilical cord. This is the result of a failure during foetal development and can be corrected by surgery. An acquired hernia occurs after birth, a common example being an inguinal hernia, in which part of the bowel bulges through a weak part of the abdominal wall (known as the inguinal canal). Another common type is a hiatus hernia, in which the stomach passes through the hiatus (a hole allowing passage of the OESOPHAGUS ), from the abdomen into the chest cavity. A reducible hernia is freely movable and can be returned by manipulation into its rightful place. An irreducible hernia describes the opposite situation, and an incarcerated hernia is one that has become swollen and fixed in its position. An obstructed hernia is one involving the bowel. The contents of the hernia are unable to pass farther down and are held up and obstructed. The most dangerous situation is a strangulated hernia, in which the blood supply has been cut off because of the protrusion itself. This becomes painful and eventually gangrenous and requires immediate surgery. Strenuous physical activity can lead to a hernia, which usually develops gradually. Although short-term measures are employed to control a hernia or reduce its size, the usual treatment is by means of surgery to return and retain the protrusion in its proper pace.