A hernia and a hernia are broadly speaking the same thing. A hernia is a hernia formed when an organ or tissue leaves its original site and enters another site through a gap, defect or weak area of the body. Hernia includes both intra-abdominal hernia and extra-abdominal hernia. A hernia that forms a mass on the surface of the body and can be seen is medically called “extra-abdominal hernia”, which is also commonly known as “small intestine cascade”. Common types of extra-abdominal hernia include inguinal hernia, incisional hernia, umbilical hernia, white line hernia, stoma hernia and lumbar hernia. In layman’s terms, a hernia is a hole in the abdominal wall. When the abdominal pressure increases, organs or tissues such as intestines, omentum, ovaries and fallopian tubes protrude outward from the hole and form a mass, and this protruding mass is called a hernia. A hernia consists of a hernia sac, a hernia ring, and the contents of the hernia. The contents of the hernia are the organs or tissues of the abdominal cavity that are herniated. Hernias often occur when there is an increase in abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, constipation, strenuous exercise, or excessive crying in children. Therefore, increased abdominal pressure is strongly associated with the occurrence of a hernia. Why is an extra-abdominal hernia also called a hernia? Because most of the contents of the hernia are intestinal tubes, and the intestinal tubes themselves contain gas, so the patient sometimes feels a gas coming out, and when he lies down the gas is gone again, so it is called a hernia. Is the small intestine hernia that people often talk about also a kind of extra-abdominal hernia? Among all kinds of hernias, inguinal hernia is the most common, accounting for about 95%, and it is easy to find and diagnose. Therefore, the common term small bowel hernia refers to inguinal hernia. What are the characteristics of inguinal hernia? For example, does it hurt and does it have a mass? An important characteristic of a hernia is the presence of a mass that protrudes from the surface of the body and is easily detected because of its protrusion. The name of the hernia is based on where it occurs. If it appears in the inguinal region it is called inguinal hernia, in the umbilicus it is called umbilical hernia, next to an incision it is called incisional hernia, next to a stoma it is called stoma hernia and in the midline of the abdominal wall it is called white line hernia. Hernia is usually painless, sometimes with a feeling of swelling, but if an incarcerated or strangulated hernia occurs (the latter is an incarcerated hernia aggravated even further leading to necrosis of the hernia contents, etc.) severe pain will occur. It was mentioned that there is a mass in inguinal hernia, is this mass always present? Yes, a mass protruding to the surface of the body is an important sign of an inguinal hernia, but a small mass is not always noticeable. How big is the mass, is it hard or soft, and how can parents tell if it is a hernia? The size of the mass is related to the length of the medical history and the size of the defect. If the history is short, the mass will be smaller, and if it is long, the mass will be larger; if the defect is large, even if the history is not long, the mass will suddenly become larger. In general, the mass of inguinal hernia in children is as big as a thumb knuckle in small cases and as big as their own fist or duck pear in large cases into the scrotum. Usually as large as a small egg or walnut, the mass is usually soft when no impaction occurs. Parents who find masses in the above mentioned areas, especially those in the inguinal region, which change in size from time to time, can basically determine that it is a hernia. How is an inguinal hernia classified and to what extent is it dangerous? There are four types of hernias: reducible, irreducible, incarcerated and strangulated. Repeatable hernia: the most common. It is called a reversible hernia, which disappears when lying down and comes out again when coughing, crying or pushing. Refractory hernia: It is rare. If the hernia has a long history, the mass often comes out and enters, rubs and adheres, and part of the hernia content adheres to the wall of the hernia sac and cannot or cannot be completely retracted, it is called refractory hernia. Incarcerated hernia: A sudden increase in abdominal pressure, where the hernia contents get stuck and cannot be retracted into the abdominal cavity, is called an incarcerated hernia. It may be painful and may even show signs of intestinal obstruction such as pain, vomiting, nausea, non-ventilation, and non-defecation. If it can be released, it can return to normal. Strangulated hernia: If the incarcerated hernia is not released in time, the contents of the hernia will become necrotic, which is called strangulated hernia. Strangulated hernia can be life-threatening if not operated in time.