A hernia is the exit of an organ, such as the bowel, through the wall of the cavity in which it normally resides. A hernia can push through any part of a weakened section of the abdominal wall, like at the incision site of a previous surgery. However, the most common site is in the groin.

The abdominal wall is made up of layers of different muscles and tissues. Weak spots may develop in these layers to allow contents the abdominal cavity to protrude.

The most common hernias are in the groin (inguinal hernias) and in the diaphragm (hiatal hernias). Hernias may be present at birth (congenital), or they may develop at a later time.

The main sign of an abdominal hernia is having a bulge or swelling appear on your abdomen (tummy). Often, the bulge will disappear when you lie down. It may also disappear when you push on it and then reappear when you stand or strain, for example if you cough or sneeze. This is called a reducible hernia. You may also have slight discomfort and a feeling of heaviness or aching in your abdomen. When you strain or lift something, you may have a sharp pain.

An abdominal hernia repair operation involves pushing the hernia back into your abdomen and repairing the weakened muscle. This can be done as a keyhole procedure, where the operation is done through small cuts in your lower abdomen. Alternatively, your operation may be carried out using open surgery, where a single, larger cut is made