Types of Abdominal Hernias
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.
- 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)
Types of Hernias-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.
Types of Hernias-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.
Types of Hernias-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.
Types of Hernias-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.
Types of Hernias-Sports Hernias:
Sports hernia 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.
Types of Hernias-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.
Types of Hernias-Femoral Hernias:
The femoral region lies just below the groin. The area includes the femoral artery and vein, as well as the 'femoral space'. This space lies just under the inguinal canal or the groin crease. Occasionally fat can push under the groin into the upper thigh. This is more common in women.
Unilateral or Bilateral Hernias:
Unilateral is the medical way of saying "on one side" of the body. Most patients only have one hernia which is 'unilateral'. However, some patients may have hernias in both groins, which would be described as 'bilateral'.
Below is a short video about the types of hernias:
In this short video, Dr. Harris briefly discusses the major types of hernias.
Important points to consider when choosing a hernia surgeon:
- The newest, advanced lightweight mesh can reduce not only recurrence rates for hernias, but also reduces the chance of postoperative mesh pain to almost zero.
- Being treated at a specialized hernia center with an in-house accredited ASC provides the highest quality care before, during, and after your hernia surgery.
- Patients should be seen by a surgeon who can offer all forms of hernia surgery, including open lightweight mesh techniques, as well as advanced laparoscopic techniques. This ensures the surgeon can offer the best technique tailored for each patient.
- Costs for uninsured patients are approximately $1500 for the surgeon fees, and $2000 for the surgery center fees (including OR time, materials, and recovery) for a total of approximately $3500.
- Some laparoscopic patients experience less pain post-operatively and may be able to return to normal activities sooner (when compared to traditional hernia repair). Laparoscopic hernia surgery can result in better patient experiences for some patients.
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Dr. Harris sees patients from all over Southern California, the greater US, and Canada. Our Newport Beach office is conveniently located in Central Orange county adjacent to John Wayne Airport between the 405, 73, and 55 highways.
Our office staff are experienced in verifying insurance coverage for each patient, as well as offering excellent pricing for patients without insurance (see costs above). We are happy to discuss all forms of payments with patients as needed.
