Types of Hernias: Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral and Incisional, What's the Difference?

Not all hernias are the same. Hernias are often named by where they occur in the body. The most common types include groin hernias, umbilical hernias, ventral hernias, and incisional hernias. 

Understanding the type of hernia you may have can help you know what symptoms to watch for and when to seek care.

What is a hernia? 

A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weakened area or opening in the muscle wall. The result may be a visible bulge, pressure, or discomfort that becomes more noticeable when standing, coughing, lifting, or straining. 

Inguinal hernia 

An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin. It may appear as a bulge in the groin or scrotum and may cause pain, pressure, or a pulling sensation. Inguinal hernias are among the most common types of hernias and are more common in men. 

Some inguinal hernias cause mild symptoms at first. Others become painful or interfere with activity. Watchful waiting may be appropriate for some adults with inguinal hernias that are not uncomfortable, but symptomatic groin hernias are generally treated surgically. 

Femoral hernia 

A femoral hernia is another type of groin hernia. It may appear as a bulge in the groin, upper thigh, or labia. Femoral hernias are less common than inguinal hernias but may carry a higher risk of complications. The American College of Surgeons notes that femoral hernias should always be repaired because of the high risk of incarceration and bowel strangulation. 

Umbilical hernia

An umbilical hernia occurs near the belly button. It may cause a visible bulge, discomfort, or pressure, especially with coughing or straining. 

Some very small umbilical hernias that can be pushed back in and are not uncomfortable may be monitored. However, adult umbilical hernias that cause symptoms, become incarcerated, or show skin changes may need surgical repair.

Ventral hernia 

A ventral hernia occurs through a weak area in the abdominal wall. It may develop above the belly button, near the stomach area, or in another area of weakened abdominal muscle. Symptoms often include a visible abdominal bulge and pain or pressure at the hernia site. 

Incisional hernia 

An incisional hernia is a type of ventral hernia that develops at the site of a previous surgical incision. This can happen when the abdominal wall weakens after surgery. Risk factors can include obesity, wound infection, diabetes, smoking, pulmonary disease, liver disease, and connective tissue weakness.

How are hernias treated? 

Treatment depends on the type and size of the hernia, your symptoms, your health, and whether you have had a previous repair. 

Common options include: 

• Watchful waiting for select hernias without symptoms 

• Open hernia repair 

• Minimally invasive or laparoscopic repair 

• Repair with sutures 

• Repair with mesh, when appropriate 

There is no single repair that is best for every patient. International groin hernia guidelines emphasize that treatment should be tailored to the patient, hernia type, surgeon expertise, and available resources. 

When should I get checked? 

You should schedule an evaluation if you notice a bulge, discomfort, pressure, or pain in the groin or abdomen. Seek urgent care if you develop sudden severe pain, vomiting, fever, or a bulge that cannot be pushed back in.

Hernia evaluation at Emerson Health 

Emerson Health’s general surgeons evaluate and treat common hernias, including inguinal, umbilical, ventral, and incisional hernias. If you think you may have a hernia, scheduling an evaluation is the first step toward understanding your options.