What is hernia Old Mr. Liu unintentionally found a pack in his groin area (above the root of his thigh) two years ago, which disappeared when he pressed it; in the past year, it often appeared when standing, coughing or forceful defecation, and the lump could return to the abdominal cavity by itself and disappear after lying down and resting. By calling the hospital for consultation, the doctor said that it was likely to be a hernia and suggested to ask the doctor to further confirm the diagnosis at the hernia surgery department of the hospital. What is a hernia. A hernia, commonly known as a “hernia” or “small intestine hernia”, is a common condition in the elderly. Simply put, a hernia is a tear or hole in the muscle tissue of the abdominal wall through which an organ or tissue, such as the patient’s small intestine, leaves its original position and protrudes from the body. It is like a car tire where the outer tire is broken and the inner tire protrudes through the hole. What is inside the swelling is called the contents of the hernia. It is usually most commonly found in the small intestine, followed by the greater omentum. According to media reports, King Bhumibol of Thailand, Prince Charles of the United Kingdom, former President Saddam of Iraq, and American singer Madonna were all cured by surgical treatment for “small intestine hernia”. In China, it is conservatively estimated that there are about 2 million cases of inguinal hernia each year. But less than 20% of them are really treated scientifically and standardized.