What Is a Hernia and Why Does It Occur?

A hernia occurs when there is a weakness in the abdominal wall, allowing internal organs—most commonly the intestines—to bulge outward. A simple way to understand this is by imagining a punctured tyre, where the inner tube starts protruding through the damaged outer layer.

In the human body, the abdominal organs are normally held securely behind strong muscles. When these muscles weaken or separate, the organs do not come out directly through the skin. Instead, they push against a thin protective lining called the peritoneum, creating a visible or palpable bulge. The muscles shift aside, and only a thin layer of tissue and skin remains over the organs.

Why is a hernia risky?

Since the intestines lie just beneath a thin layer of muscle and skin, they become vulnerable to:

• Injury
• Entrapment (getting stuck)
• Reduced blood supply

If the hernia gets trapped or injured, it can cause significant pain and may become a medical emergency.

Hernia after surgery

In some cases, a hernia can develop after an abdominal surgery. For example, a patient who underwent an appendectomy a few years ago may later notice a bulge near the surgical site. This happens when, during the healing process, the internal stitches that bring the abdominal muscles together weaken or separate. As a result, a gap forms in the muscle layer, allowing abdominal contents to push outward—leading to what is known as an incisional hernia.

Key takeaway

A hernia is not just a visible bulge—it indicates a structural weakness in the abdominal wall. Early evaluation and timely treatment are important to prevent complications and ensure long-term comfort and safety.