5 Different Types of Treatable Hernias

A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through an opening or weak spot in the muscle or tissue wall that contains it. Most hernias involve one of the abdominal organs pushing through part of the abdominal wall.

Hernias may develop gradually as you age with regular wear-and-tear on the muscles or result from an injury, prior surgery, or a birth disorder.

At Advanced Surgical Associates of Northern Minnesota, board-certified general surgeon Dr. John Bollins and our team diagnose and treat all types of hernias. In this blog, they discuss five types of hernias that are easily treatable.

5 types of treatable hernias

Specific types of hernias include:

1. Inguinal hernia

Inguinal hernias are the most common type, accounting for 75% of all cases. They mostly affect men and occur in the groin when the bowel protrudes into the inguinal canal, a passageway running down the inner thigh.

With an inguinal hernia, you might see a bulge on one side of your pelvic bone. That bulge is abdominal tissue pushing through an opening in the lower abdominal wall. The opening may have been present at birth or developed with age-related muscle degeneration.

2. Femoral hernia

Femoral hernias are less common hernias of the groin that occur in the femoral canal, which runs underneath the inguinal canal. In this case, what pushes through is usually fatty tissue.

3. Hiatal hernia

Hiatal hernias are another common type. They occur when the top of your stomach pushes up through an opening in your diaphragm into your chest. The diaphragm has a preexisting weakness—it is the opening where the esophagus passes through to connect to the stomach.

This opening is known as the esophageal hiatus, where the term hiatal hernia (or hiatus hernia) originates. Over time, stress and strain may widen this opening, so hernia usually develops slowly over many years.

4. Ventral hernias

Ventral hernias are any hernia that occurs through the front abdominal wall. For example, an “epigastric hernia” is a ventral hernia above the navel.

Another example is an incisional hernia, which occurs when tissue protrudes through a former surgical incision in the abdominal wall that’s weakened over time. It’s a common side effect of abdominal surgery.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         A third example is an umbilical hernia, which occurs when part of the intestines pokes through the abdominal wall near your navel. Most hernias of this type are present from birth.

5. Perineal hernia

Perineal hernias are relatively rare but occur when organs or other tissue push through the pelvic floor and into your abdominal cavity.

The risk of developing a perineal hernia is greater following pelvic surgery, but it can also occur from injuries and during pregnancy. The location of the hernia makes it painful to sit.

Treating hernias

If you have a small or mild hernia that only protrudes occasionally, Dr. Bollins may take a wait-and-watch approach. Except for umbilical hernias in babies, which heal independently, hernias tend to worsen over time, and patients develop complications. That’s why doctors generally recommend repairing them. Most hernias require surgical repair.

Complications usually start when a hernia gets trapped in the tissue and can’t retract (incarceration). An incarcerated hernia becomes increasingly painful and serious. If your bowel is stuck, it may cause an obstruction that makes it unable to pass food or gas.

If incarcerated tissue can’t access the blood supply (strangulation), it can lead to tissue death (necrosis or gangrene).

In general, organs that herniate through the diaphragm (hiatal hernia) aren’t likely to get stuck. They rarely cause complications except for chronic acid reflux.

At Advanced Surgical Associates of Northern Minnesota, we have years of experience repairing hernias with open, minimally invasive, and robotic surgery, depending on the severity of your hernia and whether you need emergency treatment.

During the procedure, Dr. Bollins returns the tissues and organs to their normal locations and repairs and strengthens the tissues in the wall. He may also implant a surgical mesh to support the muscles and lower the risk of recurrence.

Hernias are treatable; don’t wait for yours to become a problem. Call our office in Hibbing, Duluth, or Ely, Minnesota, or book your appointment online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bollins.

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