Did you know that hernia repairs are one of the most common operations done by general surgeons in the United States? Hernias most often develop as a result of muscle weakness and strain. This can happen due to many reasons, including age-related changes, damage due to injury or surgery, or other factors that place a strain on the body such as pregnancy, heavy lifting, constipation, or persistent chronic coughing.

A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. For example, intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. There are several types of hernias that can occur including:

• Inguinal hernia: This is the most common type of hernia, and while both men and women can experience inguinal hernias, men are affected more often. In men, the inguinal canal is a passageway for blood vessels leading to the testicles, while in women, the inguinal canal contains the round ligament that gives support for the uterus. This type of hernia involves part of the intestine poking through the groin at the top of the inner thigh.
• Femoral hernia: These types of hernias are much less common than the inguinal type, and most commonly affect older women. In a femoral hernia, fatty tissue or part of the intestine protrudes into the groin at the top of the inner thigh.
• Umbilical hernia: In this type of hernia, fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through the abdomen near the navel.
• Hiatal hernia: These hernias involve part of the stomach pushing up into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm.
• Incisional hernia: This hernia develops at the site of a previous surgery and can happen at any point following a surgery.

If you believe you have a hernia and are looking for more information on diagnosis and treatment options, Saint Francis Hospital can help. Saint Francis has a team of dedicated providers with a goal to get you back to your daily life as quickly as possible.