What is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak area in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. This weakness allows tissue to protrude, often creating a visible bulge beneath the skin. Hernias most commonly develop in the abdomen or groin, but they can occur in other areas as well.
Some hernias cause pain, pressure, or discomfort—especially when lifting, coughing, or straining—while others may be painless and only noticeable as a bulge. In many cases, people are unaware of the weakness until a hernia appears unexpectedly.
Why Do Hernias Develop?
Muscle weakness that leads to a hernia can be present at birth or develop over time. Common contributing factors include:
- Aging and natural tissue weakening
- Heavy lifting or manual labor
- Chronic coughing or straining
- Obesity or increased abdominal pressure
- Chronic coughing or straining
- Prior surgery or injury
- Genetic predisposition
Hernias do not heal on their own and often worsen over time without treatment.
Types of Hernias
The type of hernia plays a major role in determining the most effective treatment approach.
Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernias are the most common type, accounting for the majority of hernia cases. They occur when tissue protrudes through the abdominal wall into the groin area. In men, this often involves the inguinal canal that houses the spermatic cord; in women, it contains a ligament supporting the uterus.
Femoral Hernia
Femoral hernias develop just below the groin and are less common than inguinal hernias. They occur more frequently in women, particularly those who are pregnant or overweight.
Incisional Hernia
An incisional hernia forms at the site of a previous surgical incision. Scar tissue may weaken the muscle wall, allowing tissue to push through months or even years after surgery.
Umbilical Hernia
Umbilical hernias appear near the belly button and are more common in infants, as well as adults who are overweight or have had multiple pregnancies.
Epigastric Hernia
Epigastric hernias occur in the upper abdomen between the breastbone and the belly button and are often caused by weakness in the abdominal wall.
Spigelian Hernia
A Spigelian hernia develops along the Spigelian fascia, a layer of tissue in the abdominal wall. These hernias are less common and may be harder to detect.
There are two other types of hernia that need to be covered in a bit more detail, purely because they may require special attention to address and prevent recurrence
Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Unlike other hernias, hiatal hernias may require combination procedures to reduce recurrence risk. Obesity and sedentary lifestyle factors often contribute, which is why surgery may sometimes be paired with weight loss procedures.
Sports Hernia
A sports hernia, also known as Athletic Pubalgia, is not a true hernia but rather a tear in the tendons that attach to the pelvis. It commonly affects athletes who perform repetitive twisting motions. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, or surgical repair in severe cases.
Hernia Treatment Options
Surgery is the only definitive treatment for a hernia. The goal of hernia surgery is to return the protruding tissue to its proper place and reinforce the weakened muscle to prevent recurrence.
Open Hernia Surgery
Open surgery involves a single larger incision to access and repair the hernia. This approach may be necessary for complex or recurrent hernias or for patients with prior abdominal surgeries.
Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive and uses small incisions and a camera to guide the repair. This technique typically results in:
- Less post-operative pain
- Smaller scars
- Faster recovery
- Comparable recurrence rates when performed by experienced surgeons
Mesh Hernia Repair
Surgical mesh may be used to reinforce weakened tissue and reduce the risk of recurrence, particularly in larger or recurrent hernias.
Reconstructive Hernia Surgery
In severe or complex cases, reconstructive techniques may be required to restore the strength of the abdominal wall.
Hernia Surgery and Weight Loss
For some patients, hernia repair may be combined with weight loss surgery to reduce abdominal pressure and lower recurrence risk.
If you are interested in weight-loss surgery, please visit our Bariatric Center.
Are There Cases Where Surgery Is Not Required?
In rare situations, very small hernias that cause no symptoms may be monitored. However, most hernias eventually require surgical repair, as they tend to enlarge and increase the risk of complications.
Recovering from Hernia Surgery
Recovery depends on the type of hernia and surgical technique used. Many patients who undergo laparoscopic repair return home the same day and resume light activities within days.
General recovery guidelines include:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding heavy lifting
- Getting adequate rest
- Following your surgeon’s instructions closely
Return-to-work timelines vary, especially for patients with physically demanding jobs.
When to Contact Your Doctor After Surgery
You should contact your doctor if you experience:
- Fever over 101°F
- Increasing pain or swelling
- Redness or drainage at the incision site
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty urinating
- Shortness of breath or chills
Prompt evaluation helps prevent complications and supports proper healing.
