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Buffalo General Medical Center
100 High Street
Buffalo, NY 14203

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Hernia Center
Types of Hernias

There are several different hernias, and all of them are repaired in one of two ways—laparoscopically or by open surgery.

Open Surgery

An open surgery is when the surgeon makes a fairly large incision to allow the surgeon to visualize the area and insert the necessary instruments to make the repair.

Laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive form of surgery. Rather than a traditional incision, the surgeon makes a few small incisions. A camera is inserted into one incision so that the surgeon can see the area needing repair on a television screen. Surgical instruments are then inserted through one or more of the other small incisions and the repair is made. The benefits of laparoscopic surgery are less pain, less chance of damage to surrounding tissue and organs, and faster recovery time.

Types of hernias and the forms of treatment available:

Femoral Hernia

A femoral hernia occurs just above the groin, in the area called the femoral canal. In this condition, the intestine bulges through a weakened femoral canal wall. Femoral hernias are more common in women and are usually caused by pregnancy or childbirth, however some can be caused by the strain associated with coughing, standing, smoking, lifting heavy objects, and obesity.

Treatment Options: Laparoscopic or open

Femoral Hernia Location

Hiatal Hernia

If the upper part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest, it is called a hiatal hernia. Unlike other hernias, people suffering from hiatal hernias don’t see or feel the bulge. Symptoms of hiatal hernias include acid reflux and heartburn.

Treatment Options: Laparoscopic

Femoral Hernia Location

Incisional Hernia

An incisional hernia can occur through an incompletely healed surgical incision or wound anywhere on the body.

Treatment Options: Laparoscopic

Femoral Hernia Location

Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernias are the most common kind of hernia and occur when part of the bowel pushes through the muscles of the abdominal wall (inguinal canal) and into the groin. There are two main types of inguinal hernias; an indirect hernia, which is usually a defect arising from weakness acquired from birth, and direct which is usually acquired as a result of aging or excessive strain or injury. Inguinal hernias are more prevalent in men.

Treatment Options: Laparoscopic or open (with mesh and without mesh)

Femoral Hernia Location

Umbilical Hernia

As the name suggests, this hernia occurs near the navel-where the umbilical cord was attached. An umbilical hernia occurs in newborns and usually resolves itself within a few years. However, that area is permanently weakened and reoccurrence in adulthood is possible-necessitating surgical intervention.

Treatment Options: Most often open, but sometimes laparoscopically (with and without mesh)

Femoral Hernia Location

Complex Hernia

For some patients, their hernia is so large that it distorts the entire abdominal area. These are usually the result of trauma, multiple surgical procedures, or bad infections. In these cases we use a variety of techniques-both laparoscopic and open-to repair the defect. These procedures are complicated and usually result in complete restoration and functionality of the abdominal wall.

Treatment Options: Laparoscopic or open

Femoral Hernia Location