Hernia types
Epigastric hernia
These hernias come through a weakness in the join between the right and left rectus
abdominis muscles (these muscles are described as the “
six pack” which are readily seen in athletic individuals). The right and left rectus abdominis muscles fuse together at the linea alba (literally a white line). In epigastric hernias a tiny piece of fat squeezes through a tiny hole in the linea alba. These
hernias can be exquisitely tender but the hole is too small for a piece of bowel to come through and therefore are not dangerous.
Femoral hernia
This is less common than the inguinal hernia but occurs more commonly in women than men. It is usually smaller than an inguinal hernia appearing just below where you would expect an inguinal hernia to be. On occasions, it can be difficult to tell between an inguinal and femoral hernia. It is unusual for a
femoral hernia to come and go in the same way an inguinal hernia does: it is always present. Because the hole through which the hernia has to pass is so very tight, there is a significant chance that any bowel that passes into it will become trapped (incarcerated) and its blood supply cut off (strangulated). (see “is a hernia dangerous?” under frequently asked questions).
Incisional hernia
Whenever a cut is made into the
abdominal cavity the resulting wound, even when fully healed, may not to be as strong as the original abdominal wall. If the
muscle gives way then an incisional hernia develops. They may involve a variable length of the wound.
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