Whether or not you need treatment depends on the size of your hernia and the severity of your symptoms. Your GP may simply monitor your hernia for possible complications. Treatment options for a hernia include:

Medication

Over the counter and prescription medications that reduce pain can relieve your discomfort and improve symptoms. Ask your healthcare provider which medicine is right for you. Ask how much to take and how often to take it.

Laparoscopic hernia repair

If you are experiencing pain, severe or persistent symptoms - you might have laparoscopic hernia surgery.  

Open hernia repair

An incision is made to allow the surgeon to repair the hernia. This is an alternative treatment to laparoscopic hernia repair.

Epigastric hernia

An epigastric hernia occurs when fatty tissue pushes through a weakened section of the abdominal wall, typically in the area between the belly button and breastbone.

Femoral hernia

Femoral hernias are more common in women and occur when fatty tissue pushes through the femoral canal which is found just below the groin.

Inguinal hernia

An inguinal hernia (groin hernia) occurs when fatty tissue, or part of the bowel, pushes through the abdominal wall into the groin. The area the hernia moves into is called the inguinal canal.

Spigelian hernia

A spigelian hernia occurs when a weak spot in the abdominal wall lets tissue push through. It usually appears as a lump or bulge below and to the side of the belly button.

Umbilical hernia

An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall on or near the belly button.

Ventral hernia

A ventral hernia refers to any type of hernia that pushes through the front wall of the abdominal wall.

This procedure is where a hernia is treated using ‘keyhole’ or laparoscopic surgery.

A laparoscopic hernia removal involves ‘keyhole’ surgery to push back the protruding tissue and to repair the weak area of the abdominal wall. This area of the wall is often repaired with a patch of special mesh which is tacked into position during the operation. The mesh subsequently heals into the surrounding tissue, so strengthening the wall and helping to prevent further hernias.

A hernia repair is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep during the operation. You’ll be in hospital for up to six hours after the operation so you may need to stay overnight if your operation is scheduled late in the day or you have a long journey home.

During a laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia repair, your surgeon inserts a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera at the end) through a small incision close to your navel enabling the operation to be viewed on a screen.

Using other small instruments inserted through two more small incisions, the surgeon pushes back the bulge and repairs the abdominal wall using a mesh that is glued or stapled in place. The small incisions are then closed with glue or dissolvable stitches.

Hernia repair is typically carried out under general anaesthesia, ensuring you’re asleep throughout the procedure.

During open surgery, your surgeon makes a slightly larger incision to access and examine the hernia. The herniated tissue is carefully pushed back into place and secured with small stitches and a piece of mesh (gauze). The incision is then closed using either stitches or clips and protected with a dressing.

Following the operation, you’ll generally remain in the hospital for up to six hours. However, if your surgery is scheduled late in the day or you face a long journey home, an overnight stay may be necessary.

An epigastric hernia occurs when fatty tissue pushes through a weakened section of the abdominal wall, typically in the area between the belly button and breastbone.

Epigastric hernias are sometimes caused by putting pressure on the abdomen, either through carrying or pushing heavy loads, by straining on the toilet when constipated or due to being overweight.

Epigastric hernias can be sensitive to the touch or painful, but they are most noticeable by their appearance, causing bulging. You may also experience some bloating or constipation.

Your Consultant or GP will be able to diagnose an epigastric hernia after discussing your symptoms and physically examining the area.

Femoral hernias are more common in women and occur when fatty tissue pushes through the femoral canal which is found just below the groin.

Femoral hernias are sometimes caused by putting pressure on the abdomen, either through carrying or pushing heavy loads or by straining on the toilet when constipated. Sometimes a hernia may be caused by persistent, heavy coughing, childbirth or being overweight.

Femoral hernias can be sensitive to touch or be painful, but they are most noticeable by their appearance, causing bulging in the groin area. This bulging may get larger when you are standing up, coughing or lifting something heavy, and may reduce or disappear when you lie down.

Other symptoms can include pain during exercise or when coughing or bending over. This pain can sometimes be sharp.

Your GP or Consultant will be able to diagnose a femoral hernia after discussing your symptoms and physically examining the area.

A spigelian hernia occurs when a weak spot in the abdominal wall lets tissue push through. It usually appears as a lump or bulge below and to the side of the belly button.

Spigelian hernias are sometimes caused due to obesity, by putting pressure on the abdomen, either through straining on the toilet when constipated or persistent and heavy coughing.

Spigelian hernias may include symptoms such as small lump beneath or to the left and right of the belly button and sharp abdominal pain.

Your Consultant or GP will be able to diagnose a spigelian hernia after discussing your symptoms and physically examining the area.

An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall near the belly button.

Umbilical hernias are more prevalent in adults with obesity, women who have had multiple pregnancies, and individuals who have undergone previous abdominal surgeries, as these factors can lead to a weakened muscle wall.

Adults with umbilical hernias often experience sensations of discomfort, a persistent dull ache, or pressure.

Your Consultant or GP will be able to diagnose an umbilical hernia after discussing your symptoms and physically examining the area.

Ventral hernias are sometimes caused by putting pressure on the abdomen, either through carrying or pushing heavy loads - for example if you work in the trades - or by straining on the toilet when constipated. Sometimes a hernia may be caused by persistent, heavy coughing.

Hernias are thought to be caused by ageing (although they occur at any age) because as you become older, your abdominal muscles can become weaker.

Ventral hernias can be sensitive to touch or be painful, but they are most noticeable by their appearance, causing bulging in your front abdominal wall. This bulging may get larger when you are laughing, or lifting something heavy, and may reduce or disappear when you lie down.

Other symptoms can include pain during exercise or when coughing or bending over. This pain can sometimes be sharp and accompanied by a burning sensation.

Your Consultant or GP will be able to diagnose a ventral hernia after discussing your symptoms and physically examining the area.