The most common types of hernia are
Inguinal hernia
Incisional hernia
Femoral hernia
Umbilical hernia

Inguinal hernia
The intestine or bladder protrudes through the abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal in the groyne in an inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernias account for around 96% of all groyne hernias, with the majority occurring in males due to a natural weakness in this region.

Incisional hernia
The intestine pushes through the abdominal wall at the site of prior abdominal surgery in an incisional hernia. This kind is more frequent in elderly or obese persons who are sedentary following abdominal surgery.

Femoral hernia
When the intestine enters the canal conveying the femoral artery into the upper thigh, it causes a femoral hernia. Femoral hernias are more frequent in women, especially pregnant or obese women.

Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia occurs when a portion of the small intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall near the navel. It is frequent among infants, but it also affects obese mothers and those who have had a large number of children.

Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Depending on its cause, a hernia can develop quickly or over a long period of time.

Some common causes of muscle weakness or strain that can lead to a hernia include:

A congenital condition, which occurs during development in the womb and is present from birth

• Aging
• Damage from an injury or surgery
• Strenuous exercise or lifting heavy weights
• Chronic coughing or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
• Pregnancy, especially having multiple pregnancies
• Constipation, which causes you to strain when having a bowel movement
• Being overweight or having obesity
• Ascites

There are also certain risk factors that make you more likely to develop a hernia. They include:

• Premature Born or Low Birth Weight
• Ageing
• Chronic cough (likely due to the repetitive increase in abdominal pressure)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pregnancy
• Chronic constipation
• Overweight or obesity
• moking, which leads to the weakening of connective tissue A personal or family history of hernias

Hernias usually do not get better on their own, and surgery may be the only way to repair them. However, your doctor will recommend the best therapy to address your hernia, and may refer you to a surgeon. If the surgeon thinks it is necessary to repair your hernia, then the surgeon will tailor the method of repair that best meets your needs.

One of three types of hernia surgery can be performed:

• Open surgery, in which a cut is made into the body at the location of the hernia. The protruding tissue is set back in place and the weakened muscle wall is stitched back together. Sometimes a type of mesh is implanted in the area to provide extra support.
• Laparoscopic surgery involves the same type of repairs. However, instead of a cut to the outside of the abdomen or groin, tiny incisions are made to allow for the insertion of surgical tools to complete the procedure.
• Robotic hernia repair, like laparoscopic surgery, uses a laparoscope, and is performed with small incisions. With robotic surgery, the surgeon is seated at a console in the operating room, and handles the surgical instruments from the console. While robotic surgery can be used for some smaller hernias, or weak areas, it can now also be used to reconstruct the abdominal wall.

Each type of surgery has its advantages and disadvantages. The best approach will be decided by the patient’s surgeon.

Other than umbilical hernias in babies, hernias will not disappear on their own. Over time, a hernia can grow larger and more painful or can develop complications.

Complications of an untreated inguinal or femoral hernia may include:

• Obstruction (incarceration): Part of the intestine becomes stuck in the inguinal canal, causing nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and a painful lump in the groin.
• Strangulation: Part of the intestine is trapped in a way that cuts off its blood supply. In such cases, emergency surgery (within hours of occurring) is necessary to prevent tissue death.

After surgery, you will be given instructions. These include what diet to follow, how to care for the incision site, and how to take care to avoid physical strain. Hernias may recur regardless of the repair operations. This is sometimes caused by inherent tissue weakness or protracted healing. Smoking and obesity are also major risk factors for hernia recurrence.

• Maintain ideal body weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising.
• Eat enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains to avoid constipation.
• Use correct form when lifting weights or heavy objects. Avoid lifting anything that is beyond your ability.
• See a doctor when you are ill with persistent coughs or sneezing.
• Don’t smoke, as the habit can lead to coughing that triggers a hernia.