Hernia Types

A combination of muscle weakness and strain can lead to a sudden hernia or to one that develops over a long period of time. Some hernias cause mild or uncomfortable symptoms, while others cause intense pain. It is also rare but possible to have a hernia and not realize it exists if it is asymptomatic (little or no symptoms).

While hernias often result in a visible bulge under the skin, this isn’t always the case. Symptoms of a hernia can differ for each person, depending on its type and severity.

Femoral hernia symptoms include:

• Bulge on one side of your upper groin near the thigh – often accompanied by burning or aching
• Discomfort, weakness, pressure or pain in your groin, particularly while bending

 Hiatal hernia symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Belching
• Chest pain
• Heartburn
• Nausea

Incisional hernia symptoms include:

• Bulge visible at the incision site of an abdominal surgery, often accompanied by burning or aching
• Changes in bowel habits – including constipation, diarrhea or narrow stool
• Discomfort, weakness, pressure or pain in your abdomen
• Signs of infection – including nausea or vomiting, fever and increased heart rate

Inguinal hernia symptoms include:

• Bulge visible on one side of your groin area, often accompanied by burning or aching
• Discomfort, weakness, pressure or pain in your upper groin, particularly while bending
• Swelling and discomfort around the testicles in some men

Umbilical hernia symptoms include:

• Abdominal discomfort (in adults)
• Bulge near or inside the belly button – in infants this may only be apparent when crying or coughing
• Signs of infection – including nausea or vomiting, fever or increased heart rate
• Tenderness, swelling or pain at the site of the bulge

Ventral hernia symptoms include:

• Bulge in your abdomen, often accompanied by pain
• Change in bowel habits – constipation, diarrhea or narrow (stringy) stool
• Signs of infection – nausea or vomiting, fever and increased heart rate

Some hernias can be diagnosed with a physical exam if a bulge is visible.

Even if a hernia is identified during a physical exam, your doctor confirms the diagnosis with one or more of the following tests:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Computerized tomography (CT) – X-ray scan
• Endoscopy – camera attached to a tube
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Hernias do not heal on their own and tend to grow and become more painful over time.

If a hernia is small, is not causing serious pain or discomfort and there are no signs of infection, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting (observation). During this time, your doctor closely monitors the hernia for changes and recommends surgery, when needed.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Depending on your specific condition and type of hernia, your doctor may be able to perform laparoscopic hernia repair. This minimally invasive procedure uses small abdominal incisions and special tools to place stitches and a synthetic, supportive mesh that reinforces the weakened muscle after the tissue is pushed back in.

Minimally invasive procedures may reduce the amount of pain you experience after the surgery and shorten your recovery time. Many people may resume light activity after 1 to 2 weeks and strenuous activity after 4 weeks.

Open Surgery

For patients with complex hernias, open surgery is another common and effective treatment option. Surgeons cut one long incision to repair the tissue and place a piece of supportive mesh.

A longer recovery period of 4 to 6 weeks is typically required after open surgery.