What Are the Common Types of Hernia and How Are They Treated

Expert Hernia Care, Tailored to You!
Living with the discomfort of a hernia can be a significant burden, affecting your daily life and overall well-being. Hernias occur when an internal organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. This is a common medical condition that can disrupt daily life, causing pain and sometimes severe complications if left untreated. From inguinal hernias in the groin to hiatal hernias in the upper stomach, each type presents unique challenges requiring tailored solutions.
At the forefront of hernia care, Dr Balaji combines expertise with compassion, offering advanced, minimally invasive treatments for all types of hernia, prioritising quick recovery and lasting relief. With a patient-centered approach, he ensures you regain your health and confidence seamlessly.
What is Hernia?
A Hernia develops when there is a weak spot or opening in the abdominal wall, allowing soft tissue, such as fat or a portion of the intestine, to push through the muscle layer and form a bulge beneath the skin.
The process is comparable to a bulge in a damaged tire, where the inner tube, typically held in place by the tire’s sturdy rubber, protrudes through a thinner or weakened section. This weak area in the abdominal wall is referred to as a hernia defect.
What causes Hernia?
Hernias are a combined effect of pressure and a weakness or opening in the muscle or fascia. This pressure forces an organ or tissue through the weakened area. While some individuals may have this muscle weakness from birth, it is more commonly acquired later in life.
Factors that increase abdominal pressure and contribute to hernias include:
- Improper lifting techniques, especially when handling heavy objects without engaging the abdominal muscles properly
- Straining from diarrhea or constipation
- Persistent coughing or sneezing
- Pregnancy
- Prior abdominal or pelvic surgeries
In some cases, hernias are present at birth, known as congenital hernias. These are more likely in individuals who:
- Were born prematurely
- Have certain conditions like cystic fibrosis, connective tissue disorders, hip dysplasia, or specific urinary or reproductive tract issues
- Have undescended testicles (in those assigned male at birth)
What are the different types of Hernia?
Here, we list down all types of Hernia that generally occur:
Inguinal Hernias
Inguinal hernias, often referred to as groin hernias, are the most common type of hernia. They appear near the crease between the lower abdomen and upper thigh. When an inguinal hernia occurs, fat or a portion of the intestine pushes and comes out through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, forming a bulge on either the right or left side.
Some of the Inguinal Hernia Symptoms are as follows:
- A visible bulge
- Persistent pain
- Discomfort while sitting or during physical activity
In some cases, no symptoms at all.
Inguinal hernias are more prevalent in men, with about 10–15% experiencing them in their lifetime, compared to roughly 2% of women.
Umbilical Hernia
Approximately 15% of infants are born with a congenital hernia, most commonly an umbilical hernia. This condition occurs when a portion of fat or intestine pushes through the muscle near the belly button. As a type of ventral hernia, it affects the abdominal wall muscles.
Umbilical hernias are more prevalent in newborns, particularly those born prematurely. However, they can also develop in adults.
Spigelian and Flank Hernias
Spigelian hernias, a rarer type of ventral hernia, occur along the side of the mid-abdomen, further away from the belly button.
Flank hernias appear on the side of the body, between the ribcage and hip, often following trauma or spine surgery. These hernias can cause noticeable bulging or discomfort.
Incisional Hernias
Incisional hernias occur near previous surgical sites where the abdominal wall has been weakened by surgery or complications such as wound infections. These hernias affect approximately 25–30% of patients who experience infections in abdominal surgical wounds.
Spigelian and Flank Hernias
Spigelian hernias, a rarer type of ventral hernia, occur along the side of the mid-abdomen, further away from the belly button.
Flank hernias appear on the side of the body, between the ribcage and hip, often following trauma or spine surgery. These hernias can cause noticeable bulging or discomfort.
Recurrent Hernias
Recurrent hernias happen when a previously repaired hernia returns, even under optimal surgical conditions. These are often more challenging to address due to factors like scar tissue, prior mesh placement, and surrounding tissue inflammation. Early evaluation is crucial to determine the best course of repair.
Sports Hernias
Despite their name, sports hernias are not true hernias. Instead, they refer to a group of symptoms, primarily groin pain or pressure without a visible bulge, resulting from muscle or tendon injuries or weaknesses in the groin area. These injuries are often caused by repetitive or sudden twisting motions during high-intensity sports.
How are various types of hernia treated: Types of Hernia Surgery Repair
Our surgeon, Dr Balaji, will take into account your lifestyle, overall health, and age when determining the best approach for treatment. Hernia surgery, regardless of the type, is typically performed under general anesthesia at a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.
Open Surgery
In open surgery, the surgeon makes a single incision to access the hernia. They carefully reposition the hernia back into place, tie it off, or remove it entirely. The weakened muscle area where the hernia occurred is then reinforced with stitches. For larger hernias, a piece of flexible mesh may be added for extra support, reducing the chances of recurrence.
Laparoscopic Surgery
During hernia laparoscopic surgery, the abdomen is inflated with a harmless gas to provide the surgeon with a clear view of the internal organs. Small incisions are made near the hernia, and a thin tube with a tiny camera (laparoscope) is inserted. Guided by live images from the camera, the surgeon repairs the hernia using mesh. This minimally invasive method often allows for a quicker recovery—typically a week faster than with open surgery.
Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery
Similar to laparoscopic surgery, this technique uses small incisions and a camera. However, the surgeon operates with the assistance of robotic arms controlled by a computer, providing enhanced precision and dexterity.
Nissen Fundoplication for Hiatal Hernia
This specialized procedure involves stitching the upper part of the stomach to the lower part of the esophagus to correct a hiatal hernia, effectively reducing symptoms and improving function.
Want to understand more about common types of Hernia?
Get in touch with the GI specialist and Bariatric Surgeon – Dr Balaji
If you’re looking to learn more about the different types of hernias and their lines of treatment, feel free to reach out to Dr Balaji, a highly experienced GI specialist and bariatric surgeon.
With his expertise and patient-centered approach, our expert can provide you with personalised care and guidance. He addresses your concerns and helps you make informed decisions about your health.