👉 Thoracostomies are a type of abdominal hernia that occurs when the abdominal muscles pull in on the organs inside the chest. This can cause pain, difficulty breathing, and even strangulation if not treated promptly. The exact cause is not known, but it is thought to be related to an imbalance of the digestive system or to a weakened immune system. Thoracostomies are usually treated with surgery, which may involve resection of the abdominal muscles and sometimes additional procedures such as