Inguinal hernia. Artwork of a female pelvis showing an inguinal hernia (labelled as hernial sac). A hernia is the protrusion of an organ through a structure or muscle that usually contains it. Here part of the small intestine is protruding through the abdominal wall. Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. They can result from straining, including coughing and vomiting. Treatment is with surgery to put the intestine back in place and strengthen the abdominal wall. Inguinal hernias commonly reoccur.