Types of Hernias

Study Notes

A hernia is a protrusion or bulge that occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weakened area in the muscle or connective tissue.

Inguinal hernia: occurs in the groin area, when a part of the intestine bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal wall.
- Most common type of hernia, accounting for 70% of all hernias.
- More common in men than women.
Umbilical hernia: occurs near the belly button, when a weak spot in the abdominal wall allows intestine or tissue to bulge through.
- Common in newborns and infants, but can also occur in adults.
Hiatal hernia: occurs in the upper stomach, when the stomach bulges up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm.
- More common in people over 50 years old.
Incisional hernia: occurs through a previous surgical incision, when a weak spot in the abdominal wall allows intestine or tissue to bulge through.
Ventral hernia: occurs in the abdominal wall, when a weak spot allows intestine or tissue to bulge through.

Weakened muscles or connective tissue: due to age, injury, or surgery.
Increased pressure: due to heavy lifting, coughing, or straining during bowel movements.
Genetics: family history of hernias.
Obesity: increases pressure on the abdominal wall.
Coughing or straining: can weaken the muscles and increase pressure.

Bulge or lump: in the affected area.
Discomfort or pain: in the affected area, especially with coughing, straining, or heavy lifting.
Feeling of heaviness: in the abdomen.
Discomfort or pain: in the testicles, in the case of inguinal hernias.

Surgery: the only effective treatment for hernias.
Herniorrhaphy: the surgical repair of a hernia, which may involve the use of mesh to reinforce the weakened area.
Hernioplasty: the surgical repair of a hernia using mesh to reinforce the weakened area.

A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weakened area in the muscle or connective tissue.

Inguinal hernia: occurs in the groin area, affecting 70% of all hernia cases, more common in men than women.
Umbilical hernia: occurs near the belly button, common in newborns and infants, but also affects adults.
Hiatal hernia: occurs in the upper stomach, more common in people over 50 years old.
Incisional hernia: occurs through a previous surgical incision.
Ventral hernia: occurs in the abdominal wall.

Weakened muscles or connective tissue: due to age, injury, or surgery.
Increased pressure: due to heavy lifting, coughing, or straining during bowel movements.
Genetics: family history of hernias.
Obesity: increases pressure on the abdominal wall.
Coughing or straining: can weaken the muscles and increase pressure.

Visible bulge or lump: in the affected area.
Discomfort or pain: in the affected area, especially with coughing, straining, or heavy lifting.
Feeling of heaviness: in the abdomen.
Discomfort or pain: in the testicles, in the case of inguinal hernias.