Types of Hernia
A hernia occurs when part of an organ or tissue bulges through a weak spot in your muscle. Most hernias are in the abdominal wall. The most common types of hernia are:
- Inguinal Hernia: These occur when the intestines push through a tear in the abdominal wall. The hernia is typically a small bulge in the groin. Inguinal hernias are the most common kind of hernia.
- Femoral Hernia: These are more common in women. They happen when part of the intestine pushes through the femoral canal.
- Umbilical Hernia: These are most common in newborns, though they can also happen to adults. An umbilical hernia occurs when fat or part of the intestine squeezes through the muscle near the belly button.
- Incisional Hernia: These are caused by weakness in the abdomen after surgery. If a person has surgery that requires an incision through the muscles of the stomach or abdomen, a hernia may protrude through the scars from that operation. These can happen months or even years after the surgery.
- Hiatal Hernia: These are most common in pregnant women and people over age 50. A hiatal hernia happens when part of the stomach pushes up into the diaphragm.
