Hernia by definition is protrusion of tissue from inside the abdominal cavity through a defect in the abdominal wall. Hernias are classified based on the location and size.

In the abdomen, the most common areas are: 
1) Groin (Inguinal and Femoral)
2) Umbilical 
3) Incisional (site of previous surgery) 
4) Epigastric 
5) Hiatal (junction of esophagus and stomach) 
6) Lumbar (between back muscles)

The risk factors for inguinal hernia (IH) include: family history, previous contra-lateral hernia, male gender, age, abnormal collagen metabolism, prostatectomy, and low body mass index. Peri-operative risk factors for recurrence include poor surgical techniques, low surgical volumes, surgical inexperience and local anesthesia

International guidelines for groin hernia management, Hernia , February 2018, Volume 22, Issue 1, pp 1–165

Most of the abdominal wall hernias needs surgical repair. Hernias can be repaired in open or Endo-laparoscopic fashion. Here is some patient information regarding different type of hernias which are provided by societies and associations that set the standards for hernia repair.

INGUINAL HERNIA

CLICK on patient information Pamphlets:

• American College of Surgeons - Inguinal Hernia repair - (English)

• American College of Surgeons - Inguinal Hernia repair - (Spanish)
  

VENTRAL HERNIA

CLICK on patient information Pamphlets:

• American College of Surgeons - Ventral Hernia repair - (English)

• American College of Surgeons - Ventral Hernia repair - (Spanish)

• American College of Surgeons - Ventral Hernia repair - (Italian)

PEDIATRIC UMBILICAL OR INGUINAL HERNIAS

• American College of Surgeons - Pediatric Inguinal Hernia repair - (English)

• American College of Surgeons - Pediatric Umbilical Hernia repair - (English)