Hernia information

What types of hernia are there?

The most common type of hernia, inguinal hernia occurs when the intestine protrudes out of the abdominal wall into the inguinal canal in the groin.

Men are more prone to inguinal hernia because of the way the male body is structured. In men, the inguinal canal is the part where the spermatic cord connects the abdomen to the scrotum. Some typical symptoms include a bulge in the pubic area.

This lump can cause pain, especially when coughing, bending over or lifting up heavy objects.

Hiatal Hernia

Common in people over the age of 50, a hiatal hernia is when a part of the stomach tissue protrudes through the diaphragm (hiatus) into the chest cavity. The diaphragm is the muscle tissue that separates the abdomen from the chest.

Hiatal hernias is typically associated with heartburn and, in more serious cases, gaestroesophageal reflux. This happens when contents from the stomach start to flow backward through the hiatus into the esophagus.

Umbilical Hernia

A common occurrence in babies below 6 months old, this is a condition when their intestines push through their umbilical cord in the abdominal wall, causing a bulge around the bellybutton. Largely harmless, umbilical hernia normally goes away on itself within two years and does not require medical attention.

Other types of hernia include incisional hernia, which is common at the site of a previous abdominal surgery, and femoral hernia, which occurs in the femoral artery in the upper thigh.

This is a less common type of hernia that occurs in the femoral artery in the upper thigh or groin. A femoral hernia is more common among women than in men. Small femoral hernias may not present any symptoms, although larger ones may appear as bulges in the groin area and cause pain and discomfort, especially when heavy lifting, standing up, or straining.

Incisional hernias typically result from muscle weakness after an abdominal surgery. It appears as a lump or bulge at or near the surgical site, often showing within 3-6 months post-op. It may also have accompanying symptoms like nausea and vomiting, thin and narrow stool, diarrhoea or constipation, and a faster heartbeat than usual.