What's a hernia?

A hernia is an abnormal bulge/defect in the abdominal wall or groin area through a weakness in the muscular wall.

Inguinal (or groin) hernias are the most common. They occur more frequently in men than women and are located where the skin crease at the top of the thigh joins the torso.

Femoral hernias occur below the inguinal crease near the mid-thigh. These are more common in women and often contain tissue that is not able to be pushed back in.

Umbilical hernias are often present from birth as a protruding belly button. These hernias occur at a naturally weak area of the abdominal wall and often require repair later in life or after pregnancy.

Hiatal A hiatal hernia is different from other types of hernias, because it involves the stomach instead of the intestine. It occurs when part of your stomach bulges up through your diaphragm and into your chest.

Incisional hernias can sometimes occur following abdominal surgeries. The damage to the abdominal wall weakens the muscle and allows for the formation of the hernia. These can often be complex and can occur multiple times. When these occur in the midline of the abdomen they are called ventral hernias.

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