This is the outlet of the bowel outside the abdomen, through an opening in the lower abdominal wall. The bowel is trapped, but blood flow isn't affected.
The cause can be hereditary or acquired, and there are several risk factors for its development, particularly those that lead to increased intra-abdominal pressure.
It manifests as a painful lump in the lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, difficulty passing gas and abdominal distension. It may also be accompanied by general symptoms: fever, tachycardia and signs of shock.
The diagnosis is made clinically by questioning and clinical examination, which will reveal an abdominal lump that cannot be reduced through the hernia hole. A blood test may show signs of infection, renal failure and shock parameters.
Urgent surgical treatment is required, in most cases with resection of a bowel segment.
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