• Inguinal hernia: An inguinal hernia when an abdominal tissue like the intestine protrudes through a weak area in the abdominal muscles, near the groin area. This type f hernia is most noticeable and can appear to increase in size whenever you stand or cough. It may cause symptoms like a burning sensation, sharp pain, a heavy or full feeling in the groin and pain when you are coughing, exercising or bending over.
• Umbilical hernia: This is a type of abdominal wall which occurs when the abdominal wall layers don’t fully develop and join completely, which then results in the intestines or other tissues in the abdomen protrude through a weak area around the belly button. An umbilical hernia is common among newborns and infants and can cause symptoms like a bulge or swelling near the belly button which may be noticeable when the baby is laughing, crying, coughing or going to the toilet.
• Ventral hernia: This is a hernia that may occur anywhere along the midline, also called the vertical centre, of the abdomen wall. An incisional hernia is a type of ventral hernia. In early stages, a ventral hernia doesn’t cause any discomfort but a noticeable bulge in the abdomen. You may experience excruciating pain when lifting heavy objects, sitting or standing for a long period of time and when having difficulties with a bowel movement or urinating.

When is an abdominal hernia repair done?

It takes approximately 1-2 years to begin to cause noticeable, irritating or painful symptoms. In most cases, people begin to notice hernia symptoms when they are doing activities such as strenuous exercise. A laparoscopic hernia repair is indicated if:

• - You are experiencing long-term hernia pain or discomfort.
• - You are experiencing pain or discomfort, which may intensify or worsen when time goes on or begin to interfere with your daily routine.
• - You have a large or fast-growing hernia.
• - You may have sharp abdominal pain and are vomiting.

What does an abdominal hernia repair entail?

Hernias can be repaired with either open or laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic abdominal wall hernia repair involves the use of a laparoscope and other surgical instruments to repair the hernia by sewing the opening in the abdominal wall closed.

Open surgery involves the surgeon making one incision near the site of the hernia, and then pushing the protruding tissue back into the abdomen. He will then sew the opening and the incision close.