Know about Different Types of Abdominal Hernias

What is an Abdominal Hernia?

When an organ or other part of tissue bulges through the weakening in one of the muscle walls of the abdominal cavity.  The weak spots on the abdominal wall allow the contents of the abdominal cavity to pass-through. Abdominal hernias can be congenital or acquired. 

What are the causes of an Abdominal Hernia?

A hernia can be present since birth or may develop due to weakness with age. If the abdominal pressure increases, it can cause stress at the weak points and allow parts of the abdominal cavity to push through. Some of the factors that increase the pressure in the abdomen are-

• Chronic cough
• Increased fluid
• Tumors or masses
• Lifting excessive weight
• Straining during bowel movements
• Pregnancy 

What are the types of Abdominal Hernia?

• Inguinal hernia

When a portion of intestine or fat bulges through the lower stomach wall, a bulge develops near the groin area. This is known as an inguinal hernia. Out of all the other abdominal hernias, this is the most common type. More common in men than women, an inguinal hernia can be managed without a surgery. When a part of the organ pushes through the inguinal canal- an opening that allows the spermatic cord and testicle to descend- an inguinal hernia develops. 

• Femoral hernia

In femoral hernia, a protrusion occurs through the femoral canal that consists of the femoral artery and veins. When tissue pushes through the weak point in the groin or inner thigh, a femoral hernia occurs. This is a cause for concern as the bulged organ can affect the nearby femoral artery and vein and block blood flow to and from the leg. 

• Obturator hernia

This is a type of pelvic floor hernia that is not very common. Women who have had multiple pregnancies or those who have lost weight suddenly are more likely to develop this hernia. As the name suggests, this is a hernia that occurs through the obturator canal which links the abdominal cavity to the leg. The canal consists of the obturator artery, vein, and nerve. 

• Epigastric hernia

In people with an epigastric hernia, there are parts of bowel, fat or omentum that can get trapped. This hernia occurs near the epigastric region which is located above the belly button and below the rib cage. When there is an epigastric hernia, a person can feel pressure on the wall when he/she coughs, laughs or strings during a bowel movement. 

• Umbilical hernia

A common type of hernia that occurs in infants and children, this is the hernia that occurs on the belly button. Babies with an umbilical hernia don’t require any treatment. The bulge eventually goes inside by repetitive pushing. While later in life, the hernia can large and cause severe complications that require surgical intervention. 

• Spigelian hernia

Spigelian is a layer of tissue that separates the abdominal muscles into two. When a part of tissue pushes through the Spigelian, this type of hernia develops. When this is left untreated for long, this hernia blocks the portion of the bowel, or the blood supply to other organs and tissues is cut off. Women belonging to the age group 30-70 are more prone to developing this type of hernia. 

• Incisional hernia

This type of hernia is more of a complication that can occur after abdominal surgery. Normally, an abdominal surgery entails cutting of the abdominal muscles that allow the surgeons to look into the abdominal cavity. Although rare, after the surgery the place near the hernia can get weakened through which a surrounding organ can push through. 

• Hiatal hernia

In this type of hernia, part of the stomach protrudes through a weak spot in the diaphragm. This generally occurs on the opening through which the esophagus passes from the chest into the abdomen. People with hiatal hernia are likely to experience symptoms of acid reflux. Another form of hiatal hernia is sliding hiatal hernia. 

• Paraesophageal hernia

Paraesophageal hernia occurs when the stomach bulges through the diaphragm and lands near the esophagus. Although not a common condition, some of the symptoms patients are likely to feel are- chest or abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating, burping, etc.  These warrant to visit hernia surgeon as soon as possible. 

• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Although rare, these hernias develop when the diaphragm fails to completely form and corm during the development of the fetus. Sometimes the congenital diaphragmatic hernia can cause lung failure or won’t develop fully that can lead to decreased lung function.