Femoral hernia Hiatal hernia Inguinal hernia Strangulated femoral hernia A hernia is protrusion of part of an organ, usually the intestine, through a tear or weak area of muscle or surrounding tissue. In an inguinal hernia, part of the intestine protrudes into the groin; this type mainly affects men and is visible as a bulge in the groin or scrotum.
A femoral hernia also occurs when the intestine protrudes into the groin. This type of hernia mainly affects women and is visible as a bulge at the top front of the thigh.
In a hiatal hernia, part of the stomach protrudes into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus. This type of hernia often causes no symptoms, although it may sometimes lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease , with symptoms such as heartburn and swallowing difficulties.
If left untreated, a hernia may cause intestinal obstruction, or the blood supply to the herniated tissue may become cut off (a strangulated hernia) and gangrene (tissue death) may develop in that area. Most hernias can be successfully treated by surgery.