hernia

(hĕr′nē-ă)

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[L. hernia, rupture]
The protrusion of an anatomical structure through the wall that normally contains it.
SYN: SEE: rupture (2)
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COMMON LOCATIONS OF HERNIAS SEE: herniotomy
hernialhernioid (hĕr′nē-ăl) (hĕr′nē-oyd″), adj.

ETIOLOGY
Hernias may be caused by congenital defects in the formation of body structures, defects in collagen synthesis and repair, trauma, or surgery. Conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressures, e.g., pregnancy, obesity, weight lifting, straining (the Valsalva maneuver), and abdominal tumors, may also contribute to hernia formation.

TREATMENT
Surgical or mechanical reduction is the treatment of choice.

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