Abdominal wall hernia

An abdominal wall hernia occurs when a part of your internal tissue or organ, such as the intestines, pushes through a weak spot in the muscles of your abdomen. This can result in a noticeable bulge and may cause discomfort or pain, especially when you strain, lift something heavy, or stand for long periods. Hernias can vary in severity and type, and they may require treatment to prevent complications like strangulation, where the tissue gets trapped and its blood supply is cut off.
 

Here are the main types of hernias:

1. Groin Hernias

Groin hernias are the most common type, and occur in the lower part of the abdomen, near the groin. 

Inguinal Hernias occur when a portion of the intestine or other tissue pushes through a weak spot in the inguinal canal. Inguinal hernias are more common in men.

Femoral hernias occur lower down the groin, near the thigh, where the femoral artery passes into the leg. Femoral hernias are more common in women, though they are less frequent overall.
 

2. Paraumbilical / Umbilical Hernias

Paraumbilical or umbilical hernias occur around the belly button (navel). This type of hernia develops when part of the intestine or fatty tissue protrudes through a weak spot near the navel. Umbilical hernias are common in newborns, but they can also develop in adults, particularly in women after pregnancy or in people who are overweight.
 

3. Incisional Hernias

An incisional hernia can develop after surgery. This type of hernia happens when part of an organ or tissue pushes through the weakened abdominal muscles at the site of a previous surgical incision. They can occur months or even years after surgery and may get larger over time. Incisional hernias are more likely if you have had multiple abdominal surgeries, or if your wound didn’t heal well after surgery.
 

4. Complex Hernias

Complex hernias are larger or recurrent hernias that may have occurred multiple times, or involve a combination of other types of hernias. They can also be associated with infections, scars, or mesh problems from previous surgeries. These hernias are often more challenging to repair and may require specialised surgical techniques.