A hernia is a swelling in groin (area between abdomen & thighs) which you can see or feel ( Inguinal Hernia). At times, it can also be around navel (Umbilical Hernia) or near abdominal scars (Incisional hernia) due to protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in the body. Most hernias occur when a piece of intestine slips through a weakness in the abdominal wall, creating a bulge you can see and feel.