PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What type of hernia is characterized by a small defect in the abdominal wall, often occurring in females?

1. Direct hernia

2. Femoral hernia

3. Umbilical hernia

4. Incisional hernia

The correct answer is: Umbilical hernia

The type of hernia characterized by a small defect in the abdominal wall, often occurring in females, is the umbilical hernia. This condition arises when fatty tissue or a part of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal muscles at the site of the umbilicus (belly button). Umbilical hernias are common in infants but can also occur in adults, particularly in women due to factors such as pregnancy and obesity, which may put additional strain on the abdominal wall. Umbilical hernias typically present as a small bulge in the area of the navel and are often reducible, meaning they can be pushed back into the abdomen. In adults, they can develop due to increased intra-abdominal pressure or weakness of the abdominal wall. In contrast, other types of hernias, such as direct and femoral hernias, typically present in different anatomical locations and have different risk factors and demographics associated with them. Incisional hernias occur at the site of a previous surgical incision, making them distinct from the characteristics of umbilical hernias. Therefore, the specific features and common occurrences of umbilical hernias among females support why this type is the correct answer.