DESCRIPTION:
A hernia is an abnormal protrusion of a viscus
through its containing cavity wall. The four most
common types of abdominal hernia in adults are inguinal,
femoral, umbilical and incisional. Inguinal hernias are
classified as either direct or indirect and are either
reducible or irreducible. The treatment of choice is
surgery, even in the elderly if fit, as there is risk that the
hernia will strangulate if left alone, which is a surgical
emergency.