What it means
Part of an organ, often the intestine or fatty tissue, pushes through a gap in the wall around it. Common kinds are inguinal (in the groin), umbilical (at the navel), incisional (through an old surgical scar) and hiatal (part of the stomach slipping up through the diaphragm). Many are repaired with surgery, often using mesh.
For the nurse
A hernia that cannot be pushed back can trap a loop of bowel and cut off its blood supply (strangulation). Report sudden, severe pain at a hernia, a firm, tender or discolored bulge, vomiting, or no stool or gas. After repair, teach no heavy lifting for the time ordered and to splint the area when coughing.
At a glance
| Spanish | hernia |
|---|---|
| Also written | hernias |