Types of Hernia

Hernias are named after the place where they occur, and by what happens to the bulge.

Common types by location

• Inguinal hernia: in the groin, the most common type, mainly in men. Bowel or fat pushes through the inguinal canal. It may be direct or indirect.
• Femoral hernia: a bulge just below the groin crease, more common in older women. It has a higher risk of getting trapped.
• Umbilical hernia: at the navel. It is common in infants, and in adults with obesity, pregnancy or fluid in the belly.
• Incisional hernia: through a scar from earlier abdominal surgery.
• Epigastric hernia: in the upper middle belly between the navel and breastbone.
• Hiatal hernia: part of the stomach moves up through the diaphragm into the chest.
• Others: such as spigelian, obturator and parastomal hernias, which are less common.

By behaviour

• Reducible: the bulge can be pushed back or goes in when lying down.
• Irreducible or incarcerated: it cannot be pushed back and may be trapped.
• Strangulated: the blood supply is cut off, which is a surgical emergency.

In children

• Umbilical hernias often close by themselves by age 4 to 5.
• Inguinal hernias in babies and children do not close on their own and generally need surgery.

Ayurvedic classification

Ayurveda uses terms such as antravriddhi and vriddhi, loosely linked to groin and scrotal swellings. These do not map exactly to modern types.

Key point

The type decides how urgent and which kind of repair is needed.

Before your appointment

Note when you first noticed the bulge, whether it goes in when you lie down, and what brings it on, such as lifting, coughing or straining. List any pain, vomiting, constipation or urinary problems, and past surgeries. Bring your medicines, including blood thinners, and past reports. Ask about repair options, recovery and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.