From the Research
Abdominal hernias can be classified into several types, including inguinal, femoral, umbilical, incisional, epigastric, hiatal, Spigelian, obturator, and lumbar hernias, with the most common types being inguinal and femoral hernias. The classification of abdominal hernias is crucial for determining the best course of treatment and management. According to the most recent study 1, the lifetime risk of developing an inguinal hernia is 27-43% for men and 3-6% for women.
Types of Abdominal Hernias
- Inguinal hernias: occur in the groin area and are more common in men
- Femoral hernias: appear just below the groin crease and are more prevalent in women
- Umbilical hernias: develop around the navel and are common in infants and adults with obesity or multiple pregnancies
- Incisional hernias: form at the site of previous surgical incisions due to improper healing
- Epigastric hernias: occur between the navel and sternum in the midline
- Hiatal hernias: where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity
- Less common types: Spigelian hernias, obturator hernias, and lumbar hernias
Factors Contributing to Abdominal Hernias
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure
- Weakness in the abdominal wall
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Chronic coughing
- Heavy lifting
Treatment and Management
- Surgical repair: either through traditional open surgery or laparoscopic approaches
- Mesh reinforcement: often used to strengthen the repair and prevent recurrence
- The choice of treatment should be tailored to the individual patient, taking into account the type and severity of the hernia, as well as patient-related factors such as age, comorbidities, and lifestyle 1.