cholecystokinin (Noun) Any of several peptide hormones that stimulate the digestion of fat and protein; abbreviated to CCK. Freebase (0.00 / 0 votes) Rate this definition:
Inguinal hernia. An inguinal hernia is a protrusion of abdominal-cavity contents through the inguinal canal. Symptoms are present in about 66% of affected people. This may include pain or discomfort especially with coughing, exercise, or bowel movements. Often it gets worse throughout the day and improves when lying down.
Inguinal hernia repair is necessary when a loop of the intestine becomes trapped or strangulated; hernias that are painless and able to be pushed back into the abdomen do not require surgical repair unless other problems occur, according to WebMD. Some patients with small hernias may never need surgery.