A hernia occurs when increased abdominal pressure—from heavy lifting, obesity, chronic coughing, constipation-related strain, or something else—causes a weak area within the abdominal wall to split open. This allows the underlying tissues and/or internal organs to push through and form a visible bulge just beneath the skin. 

Hernias are very common; one in five people (20%) in the United States has one. They’re even more common with age, affecting one in two adults (50%) over 50. 

As a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive hernia repair at Precision Surgery and Advanced Vein Therapy in Glendale, Arizona, Dr. Johnny L. Serrano knows that most hernias require treatment at some point. Here, he explores four common hernia types and explains when yours may warrant expert attention.

Four common types of hernias

All hernias are the same in that they appear when an abnormal opening in the abdominal wall allows underlying tissue to push through. Where a hernia emerges along the abdominal wall—or, in one case, within the chest cavity—determines its type. 

The most common hernia locations and types are: 

1. Inguinal hernia 

An inguinal hernia occurs when part of the membrane that lines your abdominal cavity (omentum) or a portion of your intestines pushes into your inner groin through a weak spot in your lower abdominal wall along the inguinal canal. A hernia that appears in the outer groin area is called a femoral hernia.  

Inguinal hernias account for three in four hernia diagnoses (75%). Men are nine times more likely than women to get this type of hernia, especially as they age. About four in five hernia repair procedures (80%) are done to treat inguinal hernias.

2. Incisional hernia

One in 10 hernias (10%) are incisional hernias that emerge at the site of a surgical scar. They’re the most common subtype of another hernia type called a ventral hernia (see below). 

As a common side effect of abdominal surgery, including c-sections, incisional hernias often appear when the muscles at a surgical site in the abdominal wall weaken over time. They can also develop within a few months of surgery if increased abdominal pressure (i.e., premature physical activity, weight gain) stresses the incision site before fully healing.  

3. Ventral hernia 

A hernia that occurs along the abdominal wall above the groin area is called a ventral hernia. While they frequently emerge where connective tissues hold your muscles together along the vertical midline of the abdomen, they can appear anywhere on the abdomen.    

Ventral hernias are sub-typed depending on their precise location:

• Umbilical hernias emerge near the navel (belly button)
• Epigastric hernias develop just above the navel
• Lateral hernias occur on either side of the abdomen

Most umbilical hernias are congenital, meaning they’re present from birth. While people of all ages can get any ventral hernia subtype, only those who’ve had abdominal surgery are at risk of developing an incisional hernia.

4. Hiatal hernia 

Unique among hernias, a hiatal hernia occurs internally, meaning there’s no visible external bulge along the abdominal wall. This concealed hernia develops when a weak spot in your diaphragm — the horizontal sheet of muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen — allows part of your stomach to push upward into your chest cavity. 

A hiatal hernia doesn’t always cause symptoms, but when it does, they’re usually related to persistent heartburn or acid reflux. Hiatal hernias are increasingly common with age; about one in two adults (50%) over 50 have one. 

Concerning hernia symptoms

Hernias develop in one of two ways: spontaneously, when intense physical strain puts acute pressure on a vulnerable area of the abdominal wall, or gradually, as repetitive strain, places ongoing pressure on a weak spot in the abdomen.  

However it emerges, you’ll likely notice an abnormal bump on your abdomen or groin that’s more prominent when upright or straining. This tell-tale hernia sign isn’t necessarily concerning, but it is the first indication that you should seek an official diagnosis and have your suspected hernia checked by an expert.  

The area may also feel painful or achy when you cough, bend, or lift something heavy or experience persistent pressure or swelling at the site. An internal hiatal hernia may cause chronic acid reflux and indigestion. 

The bottom line? If you have frequent discomfort from any hernia (or suspected hernia), you should see Dr. Serrano as soon as possible.

Minimally invasive hernia care 

Surgeons fix over one million hernias each year, making hernia repair one of the most common surgeries in the U.S. No hernia will heal or get better, and most hernias require surgical repair eventually. If you have a hernia that’s bothering you, it may require prompt repair.  

Our board-certified general surgeon in Glendale, Arizona, is here to help. Call 623-321-5663 today, or click online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Serrano at your convenience.