Hernias can develop in different areas of the body where muscle weakness allows tissue to push through. Understanding the type and location of a hernia is essential for choosing the right treatment. There are a few most common hernia types that affect the groin and abdominal regions.
Types of Groin Hernias
Types of Abdominal Hernias
Diagram of Hernia Types
What are the Different Types of Hernias We Treat?
At
Center for Hernia Repair, we specialize in diagnosing and treating various hernia types using advanced surgical techniques. Below, we outline the hernias we treat, along with their symptoms and treatment options.
Inguinal Hernias
An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin area when tissue, such as part of the intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles.
Symptoms: A noticeable bulge in the groin, discomfort when lifting, coughing, or bending, and possible groin pain.
Treatment: Laparoscopic or open surgical
repair for an inguinal hernia includes the
Desarda or
Shouldice techniques for
mesh-free repair.
A femoral hernia appears in the upper thigh near the groin when abdominal tissue pushes through the femoral canal.
Symptoms: A bulge near the groin or thigh, often accompanied by pain or discomfort.
Treatment: Surgical
repair for a femoral hernia is often performed
laparoscopically to minimize recovery time.
An epigastric hernia develops between the belly button and ribcage due to a weakness in the abdominal wall.
Symptoms: A small lump in the upper abdomen, mild to moderate pain, and discomfort when straining.
Treatment: Minimally invasive surgical repair to
reinforce the abdominal wall.
An umbilical hernia occurs when tissue pushes through the abdominal wall near the belly button.
Symptoms: A visible bulge at the navel, which may become more prominent when coughing or straining.
Treatment: Typically repaired with sutures or mesh reinforcement, depending on the size and severity,
no-mesh repair may be an option in some cases.
A ventral hernia is a broad category that includes any hernia occurring along the midline of the abdomen. These hernias can range from small defects to large, complex cases involving multiple areas of weakness.
Symptoms: A bulge or swelling in the abdomen, pain, and discomfort with movement. In some cases, patients may experience
recurring hernias after previous repairs or have complex defects requiring more advanced reconstruction.
Treatment: Laparoscopic or open surgical repair with mesh reinforcement for optimal support, with
no-mesh, natural tissue repair as an option for particular cases.
For recurring or complex ventral hernias, we offer
abdominal wall reconstruction, a specialized technique that restores strength and function to the abdominal wall. This is particularly beneficial for patients who have had multiple hernia recurrences or large abdominal defects.
