This is the outlet of the intestine outside the abdomen, protruding through an orifice located in the lower abdominal wall. The intestine is trapped, its inner lumen is strangulated and blood flow becomes compromised, causing necrosis.
The cause may be hereditary or acquired, with multiple risk factors for developing it, mainly those that result in an increased intra-abdominal pressure.
It manifests as a painful lump in the lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, difficulty passing gas and abdominal hardness. It may also be accompanied by general symptoms: fever, tachycardia and signs of shock.
Diagnosis is clinical through questioning and clinical examination which highlights an abdominal lump that cannot be reduced through the hernia hole. A blood test may show signs of infection, renal failure and shock parameters.
It requires urgent surgical treatment, with resection of a bowel segment in most cases.
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