Abdominal Hernia Repair

What is a hernia?

A hernia is the protrusion of an organ through the structure or muscle that usually contains it. The condition occurs most often in the abdominal wall, when the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the wall. The most common abdominal wall hernia is an inguinal hernia.

What are some types of hernias?

Some of the most common types of hernias are explained below.

• Inguinal hernias, in the inner groin area, occur when the intestine protrudes through either of two passages in the lower abdominal wall called inguinal canals. Researchers have estimated that about 27% of men and 3% of women will develop an inguinal hernia at some point in their lives.

• Femoral hernias, in the upper thigh/outer groin area, occur in deeper passages called femoral canals. They are much less common than inguinal hernias and are far more likely to occur in women than in men. They also present a higher risk of complications if they are not repaired.

• Ventral hernias occur though an opening in the muscles of the abdomen. There are three types of ventral hernias:
  • Epigastric hernias occur above the bellybutton.
  • Incisional hernias are caused by a weakening of the abdominal muscle resulting from an incision made during a previous abdominal surgery.
  • Umbilical hernias, which occur near the bellybutton, are most common in newborns, especially those born prematurely. These hernias usually close on their own by the time the child turns 4. Umbilical hernias can be more problematic when they occur in adults.

• Hiatal hernias occur when the upper part of the stomach bulges into the chest through a small opening (the hiatus) in the diaphragm. The hiatus allows the esophagus, which carries food from the mouth to the stomach, to pass through the diaphragm.