A hernia can form when a spot in the fascia connective tissue or the nearby surrounding muscle within the abdominal wall becomes weak and rips. This rip or tear allows fatty tissue or a portion of an internal organ, such as an intestinal loop, to squeeze out.
A hernia manifests as a bulge somewhere on the abdomen wall and most often is visible from the outside; however, there are hidden hernias that are more difficult to diagnose.
What Kind Of Hernia Do I Have?
Hernias are classified by where the protrusion occurs along the abdominal wall. Some hernias are referred to by more than one name or their category is used when they are being discussed. This can make it confusing to determine what kind of hernia you are experiencing.
Types of Abdominal Hernias Chart
To clear up some confusion we have provided an overview of the different types of abdominal hernias and have also included some answers to frequently asked questions about hernia terms and types.
| Ventral Hernias | Location |
|---|---|
| Epigastric Ventral Hernia | Develop along the vertical center line of the abdomen below the breast bone and above the belly button. |
| Umbilical Ventral Hernia | Form directly inside the belly button and are often found in infants. |
| Periumbilical Ventral Hernia | Found above or below the belly button. |
| Lateral Ventral Hernia | Develops to the left or right side of the centerline of the abdomen. |
| Incisional Ventral Hernia | Occur at the site of a previous abdominal surgical incision. |
| Inguinal Hernias | Location |
| Direct Inguinal Hernia | Form as a result of chronic pressure on the abdominal wall and are located on the right or left side of the groin. |
| Indirect Inguinal Hernia | Occur from birth (congenital) and are most often found in the groin area in males. |
| Femoral Hernia | Develop on the left or right side of the pelvic bone under the inguinal canal (near the upper thigh) and are often hidden and tricky to diagnose. Femoral hernias are found more in women than men. |
Abdominal Hernias FAQs
What is the difference between a ventral hernia vs an umbilical hernia?
An umbilical hernia is a specific type of ventral hernia and can be seen from the outside of the abdomen as a bulge in the belly button. Sometimes an umbilical hernia is referred to as a ventral hernia by medical professionals because it falls in that classification.
What is the difference between a ventral hernia vs an inguinal hernia?
Hernias that manifest in the upper portion of the abdomen are classified as ventral hernias and hernias that form in the lower abdomen or the groin area are considered inguinal hernias. The term “inguinal” translates to “of the groin”.
What is the difference between a ventral hernia vs an incisional hernia?
An incisional hernia is a specific type of ventral hernia that can occur anywhere in the abdominal region where a prior surgery has taken place. The hernia forms due to the weakness in the area where the incision was created. Approximately 2 out of every 1000 women who have had C-section incisions will experience an incisional hernia within 10 years.
What is the difference between diastasis recti vs a ventral hernia?
During pregnancy, the growing baby expands the uterus and exerts pressure along the abdominal wall. This can permanently stretch out and separate the abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) and the connective tissues (fascia) that support the body’s core. When the abdominal muscles become separated in this way, the condition is called diastasis recti. The degree of diastasis recti can vary due to multiple pregnancies or in women who carry twins or multiples.
Diastasis recti can also be caused by obesity or significant weight fluctuations. Carrying excess fat puts additional strain on the abdominal muscles.
While a diastasis recti is a separation in the abdominal muscles, a ventral hernia occurs when abdominal or intestinal tissue is squeezed out through a weak spot located anywhere in the abdominal wall. It is possible to have diastasis recti and a ventral hernia at the same time.
Hernias - Diagnosis & Treatment - IBI Healthcare Institute
We use the latest technologies to diagnose the issues you may have. Ultrasound is effective at finding hernias so that we can create a treatment plan to ease your pain. We offer treatments for all types of hernias including femoral, inguinal, epigastric, incisional, umbilical, and hiatal.
If you are concerned that you may have a hernia or are seeking treatment for hernia symptoms, contact IBI Healthcare Institute today. We offer the most advanced treatments for both ventral hernias and inguinal hernias.
