Inguinal Hernia By Parswa Ansari, MD, Hofstra Northwell-Lenox Hill Hospital, New York Reviewed / Revised Apr 2023 View Patient Education Classification Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Key Points Topic Resources Inguinal Hernia An inguinal hernia is a protrusion of the abdominal contents through an acquired or congenital area of weakness or defect in the abdominal wall just above the inguinal ligament.