Hernias are classified by their location on the abdominal wall. They are grouped into four categories: inguinal, umbilical, ventral and hiatal.
1) Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernias, most common in men, occur in the groin area and are formed by a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. Over 750,000 inguinal hernia repairs are performed annually in the United States.
2) Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia occurs at the belly button and looks like a bulging navel. They can be present since birth or can happen over time due to obesity, excessive coughing or pregnancy. The hernia occurs at a naturally weakened area where the umbilical cord was once attached. In children these defects can resolve spontaneously. In adults, the only treatment is surgery.
3) Ventral Hernia
Ventral hernias usually occur on the front of the abdominal wall at the site of a prior surgical incision. Surgical scaring can weaken over months or years and result in a hernia. The likelihood of developing a ventral hernia increases with smoking, obesity, steroid use and chronic coughing.
3) Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernias occur through a hole in the diaphragm that allows the esophagus to pass through and join the stomach. A weakened or enlarged area in the diaphragm allows the stomach to bulge into the chest cavity. These hernias can result in acid reflux and scarring of the esophagus. Larger hiatal hernias can result in other abdominal organs like the stomach and colon entering the chest cavity.
Patients with hiatal hernias typically complain of heartburn, diffi culty swallowing food, chest pain after eating or the feeling that food is coming up in the back of their throat. Learn More about Hiatal Hernias.