Uncomplicated abdominal hernia

Very low urgency
Common-

It is the protrusion of a segment of the intestine outside the abdomen. It acquires the adjective "uncomplicated" because there is no compromise of the protruded loop; it enters and exits easily through the hernial orifice without injuring the intestine.

There are hereditary causes (congenital abdominal wall disorder) and other acquired causes (abdominal trauma). Its appearance is favored by obesity, intense physical exercise and chronic constipation.

It manifests as a lump appearing on the abdominal wall. It characteristically increases in size when standing up, straining to defecate and with coughing.

The diagnosis is clinical by interrogation and physical examination where a lump appearing in the abdominal wall is evidenced.

As it is an uncomplicated hernia without compromised blood supply to the intestine, it does not require urgent treatment. The definitive treatment is surgical repair of the abdominal wall.

Bibliographic references
  1. David C Brooks, MD. Overview of abdominal wall hernias in adults. UpToDate, Jan 21, 2017.
  2. Murphy KP, O'Connor OJ, Maher MM. Adult abdominal hernias. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2014; 202:W506.
  3. Kingsnorth A, LeBlanc K. Hernias: inguinal and incisional. Lancet 2003; 362:1561.
  4. Van Ramshorst GH, Nieuwenhuizen J, Hop WC, et al. Abdominal wound dehiscence in adults: development and validation of a risk model. World J Surg 2010; 34:20.
  5. Salameh JR. Primary and unusual abdominal wall hernias. Surg Clin North Am 2008; 88:45.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Lump in abdomen


    Lump in the abdomen yields inward when compressed


    Lump in the groin


    Abdominal lump more apparent when coughing


    Lump is more noticeable when standing up

Symptoms to watch out for

Vomiting
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Abdominal pain that increases rapidly
Inability to evacuate the bowel or pass gas
A hernia bulge becomes red, purple or dark colored

Self-care

It is recommended to follow a balanced diet, consume water-soluble fiber (fruits and vegetables), avoid gas-producing foods (beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli), carbonated beverages with preservatives, synthetic sweeteners and refined sugar.
Try not to lift heavy objects.
Reduce tobacco consumption.