What Are The Types of Hernias?

Hernia is a medical condition in which an organ or fatty tissue protrudes through an opening in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Hernias are most commonly found in the abdomen or groin and can be caused by a combination of muscle weakness and tension from a variety of sources. While hernias may not always cause serious problems, they can be uncomfortable and even life-threatening in some cases.

If you suspect you may have a hernia, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away, especially if you experience extreme pain, quick growth of the hernia, redness, swelling, nausea, vomiting, constipation, bloating, or fever. Depending on the severity of the hernia and the presence of symptoms, doctors might recommend monitoring and waiting, but hernia surgery is a common and relatively simple procedure unless complications occur.

Dr. Deepak Subramaniam is renowned for his expertise as the best hernia surgeon in Chennai. At Chennai Hernia Clinic, we have leading hernia specialists in Chennai who can address all types of hernias. Let us take a closer look at the different types of hernias and their unique characteristics.

Inguinal Hernia

The most frequent type of hernia is the inguinal hernia, accounting for around 70-75% of all abdominal wall hernias. In inguinal hernias, a portion of the small intestine or fat protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles and into the inguinal canal.

Femoral Hernia

Femoral hernias are more common in women and cause a bulge in the upper thigh, just below the groin. They are caused by a part of the intestine or fat pushing through a weak spot in the femoral canal.

Umbilical Hernia

Umbilical hernias are frequent in newborns and infants, affecting approximately 10-20% of all births. They develop when abdominal muscles around the bellybutton do not close, causing the intestine or fatty tissue to protrude at the navel.

Incisional Hernia

Incisional hernias occur at the site of a previous surgery, where the intestine or abdominal tissue protrudes through an incision made during a previous procedure. Incisional hernias are more common in overweight or obese individuals and those who have had prior abdominal surgeries.

Epigastric Hernia

Epigastric hernias occur when part of the stomach protrudes through the chest wall, leading to a visible bulge in the upper-middle abdomen, just below the breastbone.

Congenital Hernia

A congenital diaphragmatic hernia occurs when the diaphragm does not form correctly, allowing the stomach, intestine, or other abdominal organs to protrude into the chest cavity. This type of hernia can be life-threatening and requires surgery to repair the diaphragm and prevent other complications such as breathing difficulties.

Spigelian Hernia

A Spigelian hernia occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles, often in the lower abdomen or groin area.

Sports Hernia

Sports hernias are a type of inguinal hernia that occurs due to physical activity, especially among athletes who play contact sports that involve sudden twisting movements such as soccer, hockey, or football.

Recurrent Hernia

Recurrent hernias are a type of inguinal hernia that reappears after previous hernia repair surgery. They tend to be more challenging to treat and may require specialized surgical techniques.

Chennai Hernia Clinic provides comprehensive hernia care and treatment options, including laparoscopic surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and open surgery, if required. Our hernia specialists in Chennai are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care and expertise to get you on the road to recovery.

In conclusion, Hernias are a medical condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms or think you may have a hernia, contact the best hernia surgeon in Chennai, Dr. Deepak Subramaniam, at Chennai Hernia Clinic. Our team of hernia specialists in Chennai is available to help you with any hernia-related issues you may have.