1.4 Different types of hernias
A hernia can occur at different body sites. Different types are identified, depending on where the hernia opening is situated. [Fig. 5]
The most important types of hernias:
| Epigastric hernia | Hernia in the midline of the upper abdomen |
| Umbilical hernia | Hernia in the navel region |
| Incisional hernia | Hernia in the vicinity of a scar left after a previous operation |
| Inguinal hernia | Hernia in the inguinal region |
| Femoral hernia | Special form of inguinal hernias descending to the thigh |
| Parastomal hernia | Hernia in the presence of an artificial intestinal outlet (stoma) |
| Hiatal hernia | Diaphragmatic hernia at the site where the oesophagus enters the abdomen |
Fig. 5: Different types of hernias and their localisation