Learn About Different Types of Hernias

What is a Hernia?

Hernias are weaknesses in the abdominal wall, which can allow fat or intestines to bulge through. The most common type occurs in the groin area and is called an inguinal hernia. However there are many different types of hernias which can occur through many different weaknesses in your abdominal wall.

Inguinal Hernias

Inguinal hernias are the most common of all hernias and are also referred to as groin hernias. They occur near the crease between the lower abdomen and the upper thigh. When an inguinal hernia develops, intestine or fat may protrude through the defect in the abdominal wall, creating a bulge on the right or left side.

Signs and symptoms of inguinal hernias can include:

  • Bulging

  • Pain which can be dull or sharp

  • Discomfort during sitting or with activity

Sometimes, inguinal hernias cause no symptoms at all. Between 10 and 15 percent of men and 2 percent of women will develop inguinal hernias in their lifetime.

Ventral Hernias and Umbilical Hernias

Ventral hernias occur in the part of the abdominal wall above or below the umbilicus (belly button) and/or within the umbilicus itself, where they are called umbilical hernias. These hernias are less common than inguinal hernias, with some 10 percent of both men and women expected to develop either a ventral or umbilical hernia during their lifetime.

Incisional Hernias

Incisional hernias are a special kind of abdominal wall hernia that occur near prior surgical incisions where prior surgery has weakened the abdominal wall, or where infection in a healing surgical incision causes breakdown of the wound closure. About 25 to 30 percent of patients will develop an incisional hernia when a wound infection occurs after abdominal surgery.


Sports Hernias

Despite the name, Sports hernias are not actually true hernias, but represent a constellation of symptoms, typically groin pain or pressure without an obvious bulge, arising from muscle or tendon injury or weakness in the groin. These are caused by repetitive or quick motions from hip or pelvis twisting which can occur after playing competitive sports, hence the name. There are multiple muscles and tendons which attach onto the pubic bone, and these can get stretched, torn or pulled during sports such as football, hockey, baseball, soccer, and more. Most of the time there is no obvious hernia associated with this diagnosis, and they are typically diagnosed by physical exam and history, and in more complex cases, x-ray, CT, MRI or ultrasound can be used to look for injuries.

Initial treatment involves rest and anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy is also useful in the management of these injuries. Surgery is typically reserved for severe or acute injuries and can involve releasing tendons of affected muscles, strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles, or re-attachment of tendons or ligaments.

Special Hernias

There are other less common hernias which occur in areas of weakness through the abdominal wall which can be classified as epigastric, lumbar, spigelian, perineal, obturator, and even more rare ones. Repair of these special types of hernias can also be performed minimally invasively as well if you quality.