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Hernia types are categorized based on where the they are located on the body. Each hernia is treated differently based on it’s location and other factors. Not one treatment is right for a specific hernia or a specific patient.
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.
Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. Femoral hernias are much more common in women, but can be seen in men as well. As an inguinal hernia get’s larger, it can extend into the scrotum
Umbilical Hernias:
Belly button hernias, known as an umbilical hernias, are when the intestines or fat push through a weakening of the muscles in the middle of the abdomen underneath the umbilicus or navel. This location is prone to muscle weakness since it’s where the greatest stress is placed on the muscles when we do anything physical. In children these hernia often go away on their own, but in adults these hernias never get better and usually get bigger over time.Recurrent Hernias:
Although every surgeon tries to repair the muscles around a hernia as best as possible, there are always times that due to the weakened muscles, the hernia returns. Fortunately, there are always surgery options that can be used to treat recurrent hernias. This includes laparoscopic hernia repair, or the use of newer meshes.Incisional Hernias:
Incisional hernias are used to describe a hernia that protrudes through an older surgery incision. Whenever patients require an incision for surgery, the muscles have to be sewn back together. No matter how these muscles are sewn together, they are never as strong as they started. Over time, the muscles can pull apart creating an incisional hernia. This can happen at the location of any prior surgery.
Sports Hernias
Sports hernias are difficult to diagnose and difficult to describe. A typical sports hernia is when the muscles which converge and join in the groin area and at the pubic bone tear, causing pain in the groin region. The pain is worse with activity such as sitting up and pulling the legs into the body. This aggravates the tear in the muscle causing pain. A sports hernia differs from all the other hernias in that there is not usually any fat or intestine pushing through the torn muscle. The tear itself is what causes the pain. Although these hernias are often found in athletes, they can also be found in regular individuals without an athletic background.Ventral And Epigastric Hernias:
These types of hernias are similar to all other hernias in that they form due to weakening of the abdominal muscles. These hernias are located between the belly button or navel, and the lower part of the breast bone. Repair of these hernias is very common and can be done with open surgery or laparoscopic surgery techniques.