The Location Of A Hernia Is The Primary Way It Is Categorized. A Hernia Can Be
- Inguinal (groin hernia)
- Umbilical (belly button hernia)
- Femoral (below the groin)
- Epigastric (just below the breast bone)
- Ventral (above the umbilicus)
- Incisional (through a prior surgery site)
- Sports
- Recurrent (after a prior surgical repair)
- Unilateral (one side of the body)
- Bilateral (both sides of the body)
Inguinal Hernias
Inguinal hernias, also known as groin hernias, are when the intestines or fat push through the muscles into the inguinal canal. This is the layer of muscles in the groin which houses the spermatic cord in men, or the round ligament in women. The hernia can be directly through the muscle (direct inguinal hernia) or the hernia can follow the round ligament or spermatic cord through it’s indirect path as they exit the abdomen (indirect inguinal hernia). Up to 75% of abdominal hernias are inguinal hernias. They can be found in men and women, but more commonly in men due to the fact that men have a larger opening in the abdominal wall due to the spermatic cord. Inguinal hernias often develop as small bulge that enlarges over time. The bulge may disappear while lying down and return with activity.