Inguinal hernia
This is the commonest type of hernia and the one we tend to think of when someone says they have a rupture or hernia. It occurs predominantly in men and may be confined to one side or be present on both (bilateral). Patients with hernias on both sides may have them appear together or there may be a gap of many years before the second one becomes apparent. Not uncommonly patients develop an inguinal hernia after heavy lifting during which they may experience a sharp pain in the groin and notice the appearance of a swelling.Paraumbilical and Umbilical hernias
Umbilical hernias are congenital ie they are present from the time of birth. Most significant umbilical hernias are repaired in childhood. Whilst it is not uncommon for them to be noticed on abdominal examination, most are small, cause no problems and do not require repair.Paraumbilical hernias appear above the “belly button” and like epigastric hernias come through the linea alba. They are usually larger than epigastric or umbilical hernias and require repair because of the risk of bowel contained within them becoming strangulated.
Spigelian hernia
This is a rare type of hernia that appears on the edge of one of the rectus abdominis muscles (these muscles are described as the “six pack” which are readily seen in athletic individuals) 4 or 5 cm below the “belly button”.(published with permission in writing from:http://www.thelondonherniaclinic.co.uk)
