Hernia is a condition caused by the squeezing of an organ or fatty tissue through a hole or a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue in the wall of the abdomen. This squeezing often results in the bulging of the abdominal wall.
There are different types of hernia based on the location of the holes or weak spot.
The most common types of hernia include:
- Inguinal hernia – The bladder or the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall into the inguinal canal
- Incisional hernia – In this condition, the intestine bulges out through an opening at the site of a previous surgery. This is common in people who are obese or those who are inactive after having an abdominal surgery.
- Femoral hernia – Here the intestine pushes through the opening of the femoral artery in the upper thigh region.
- Umbilical hernia – In this condition, the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall in the region of navel.
- Hiatal hernia – Here the upper part of the stomach pushes through the opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus enters, called the hiatus.
