Types of Hernias

The most common type of hernia is the inguinal hernia, which occurs in the wall of the abdomen. It is typically more common in males than females, due to the fact that a male has the internal inguinal ring, which develops from the inguinal canal, where a male's testicles descend from before birth. If this does not seal properly, there is a natural defect that puts the male at a disadvantage when it comes to the development of these types of hernias. Organs in the abdomen, such as the intestines may protrude into and through the opening, and this results in a bulge, typical of the inguinal hernia, whilst often times resulting in pain too.

 

Repair of an inguinal hernia through tension repair have a reported high recurrence rate, whilst other repair techniques have reported lower recurrence rates.

Umbilical hernias occur near the bellybutton or navel, which has a natural weakness from the blood vessels of the umbilical cord. These hernias may occur in infants at or just after birth and may resolve by three or four years of age. However, the area of weakness can persist throughout life and can occur in men, women, and children at any time. In adults, umbilical hernias will not resolve and may progressively worsen over time. They are sometimes caused by abdominal pressure due to being overweight, excessive coughing, or pregnancy. When repaired with a technique called tension repair, umbilical hernias have an 11% recurrence rate.3 Other hernia repair techniques, such as tension-free and laparoscopic tension-free, have much lower recurrence rates. See Methods of Repair for more information.

A strangulated hernia is also referred to as an incarcerated hernia. This occurs when the hernia has become trapped in or outside of the abdominal wall, and as a result cannot be 'pushed' back in. When a hernia becomes strangulated the blood to the tissue can be cut off and this can become life-threatening if it isn't treated in a timely manner.

 

The strangulated hernia is often most related to the Inguinal hernia, and develops when it becomes strangulated or incarcerated.

 

Symptoms of strangulated hernias include sharp and intense pains, vomiting, nausea, a dark red or purple hernia bulge and fever, amongst others.

 

The causes of hernias are varied, and lifestyle can be a contributing factor. It is always recommend to consult your physician should you notice a bulge developing, and which is often best noticed when standing.

A hernia that appears in the abdomen at the site of a previous surgery is known as a ventral or incisional hernia. These hernias can appear weeks, months, or even years after surgery and can vary in size from small to very large and complex. If you think you have a ventral hernia, it's important to see your doctor because it may widen and become extremely difficult to repair. When repaired with a technique called tension repair, ventral hernias have a 50% recurrence rate.2 Other hernia repair techniques, such as tension-free and laparoscopic tension-free, have much lower recurrence rates. See Methods of Repair for more information.

Femoral hernias, along with inguinal hernias are groin hernias. They are much more common in women but can occur in men. These hernias appear just below the groin crease and are usually the result of pregnancy and childbirth. A weakness in the lower groin allows an intestinal sac to drop into the femoral canal, a space near the femoral vein that carries blood from the leg. These hernias are more prone than inguinal hernias to develop incarceration or strangulation as an early complication. Therefore, once these hernias are diagnosed, early repair is very strongly advised before such complications occur.

Epigastric hernias are more common in men than in women. They occur due to a weakness, gap, or opening in the muscles or tendons of the upper abdominal wall, on a line between the breast bone and the navel or umbilicus. This area is known as the epigastrium area of the abdomen, and hence the name for the hernia.