The most common kinds of hernias happen in the abdomen, or belly.
When the muscles inside a person's abdomen weaken in one spot, a loop of intestine or abdominal tissue can push through the muscle layer.
Abdominal hernias may need to be repaired through surgery. The Hernia Surgery Center repairs a wide range of hernias, including:
- Femoral hernia: Femoral hernias are similar to inguinal hernias, but occur in the groin near the thigh. They are more common in older people, and in women who have been pregnant. A femoral hernia can also result in a medical emergency.
For more information, refer to the Femoral hernia topic on our Healthwise® Health Encyclopedia website. - Inguinal hernia: Inguinal hernias are the most common kind of abdominal hernias. They happen more often in men, and are often caused by a person lifting heavy objects. An inguinal hernia can result in a medical emergency if the blood supply to part of the intestine is cut off or restricted.
For more information, refer to the Inguinal hernia topic on our Healthwise® Health Encyclopedia website - Ventral hernia: A ventral hernia is called an incisional hernia when it occurs at the site of a surgical scar. Up to one-third of all patients who have had open abdominal surgery will develop a ventral hernia at their incision.