Etiologically, the presence of a hernia indicates the presence of a defect (rupture) in the abdominal wall or in the abdomen. If left untreated, this defect will gradually increase in size over time and sometimes the sudden increase in negative pressure (coughing, sneezing, bowel movement) will push out the intra-abdominal organs through the breach (medically called “hernia impaction”), and the embedded intra-abdominal organs will get stuck in the “hernia ring” (defective ring of the abdominal wall) and cannot return to their original position. “In the latter case, emergency treatment (mostly emergency surgery) is required, and delayed treatment may lead to intestinal obstruction or even intestinal necrosis, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, except for neonatal hernias which may close on their own during growth and development (usually within 1 year of age), all other hernias are unlikely to heal on their own. Nor is it possible to cure it by taking medication or injections. Surgery is usually required to patch up the hole (defect in the abdominal wall). Conservative treatment is only considered when the patient cannot tolerate surgery (in cases of old age, severe concomitant cardiopulmonary disease, or when the child is too young).