For medical emergencies, call your local emergency number. This site does not provide medical advice.
What a hernia is, every type of hernia, when repair surgery is needed, how open and keyhole operations differ, hiatal hernia repair and Nissen fundoplication, plus recovery and warning signs.
By Editorial Team · Updated · 4 min read
This article is awaiting review by a qualified medical professional.
Quick answer
Hernia repair is surgery to push a bulging organ or tissue back into place and strengthen the weak muscle wall, often with a mesh, done as open or keyhole surgery. Most repairs are day surgery, with light activity within days and heavy lifting avoided for about 4 to 6 weeks. A hernia that becomes painful, hard and cannot be pushed back is an emergency.
A hernia happens when an organ or fat pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or tissue. It often looks like a bulge under the skin. Hernias are common and can affect adults and children.
Hernias are named for where they occur. Each type has a different cause, risk and repair. For a full description of every type, see our guide to the types of hernia.
| Type | Where | Repair notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inguinal (indirect and direct) | Groin | Most common. Open or keyhole repair, usually with mesh |
| Femoral | Below the groin crease, upper thigh | Higher risk of becoming trapped, so repair is usually advised |
| Umbilical | Belly button | Often closes on its own in young children. Adults may need repair |
| Epigastric | Midline, above the belly button | Small hernia, repaired if painful or enlarging |
| Incisional | Over a previous surgical scar | Can be complex and usually needs mesh |
| Hiatal | Diaphragm opening near the esophagus | Often managed with medicines. Surgery for large hernias or severe reflux |
| Spigelian | Outer edge of the abdominal muscle | Rare. Repaired because of the trapping risk |
| Obturator | Pelvis | Rare and often emergency surgery |
| Lumbar | Lower back or flank | Rare |
| Parastomal | Around a stoma | Common. Repair can be difficult and recurrence is frequent |
| Diaphragmatic (congenital) | Diaphragm in newborns | Needs early specialist surgery |
Some hernias cause no pain at all.
Surgery is often recommended when a hernia is painful, growing, or affects daily life, and it is urgent if the hernia becomes trapped (incarcerated) or strangulated. For people with a small, painless inguinal hernia, "watchful waiting" with regular check-ups can be a safe choice. Your surgeon will discuss the options.
Repairs may be done under general, spinal or local anesthetic with sedation, depending on the hernia and your health.
Hernia repair is generally safe. Possible complications include infection, bleeding or bruising, difficulty passing urine, long-lasting pain, mesh problems (uncommon), and the hernia returning.
A hiatal hernia is different from most other hernias because it involves the stomach pushing up through the diaphragm into the chest. Many small hiatal hernias need no surgery and are managed with lifestyle changes and acid-reducing medicines for GERD.
Surgery is considered when a hiatal hernia is large, is a paraesophageal type, or causes reflux, regurgitation, swallowing problems or chest symptoms that medicines do not control. It is usually done by keyhole surgery and involves:
The most common wrap is the Nissen fundoplication (a full 360 degree wrap). Partial wraps include the Toupet (about 270 degrees, at the back) and the Dor (about 180 degrees, at the front). After surgery, swallowing difficulty and bloating are common early on, and the diet is advanced gradually from liquids to soft foods to normal food. Some people also develop gas-bloat syndrome, with trouble belching.
Read the full guide: Nissen fundoplication: procedure, recovery, risks and alternatives.
Maintain a healthy weight, use safe lifting techniques, treat chronic cough and constipation, and don't smoke.
Go to an emergency department if a hernia becomes suddenly painful, firm, discoloured or cannot be pushed back, especially with vomiting, fever or being unable to pass gas or stool. Contact your surgeon if you have a fever, wound redness or discharge, or increasing pain after surgery.
No. Small hernias with few or no symptoms, particularly inguinal (groin) hernias in men, can sometimes be monitored. Surgery is usually advised if a hernia causes symptoms, grows, or becomes trapped.
No. A hernia will not go away without surgery, although some stay small and cause no problems.
Sudden severe pain, a bulge that becomes firm, red or dark and cannot be pushed back in, with nausea, vomiting, fever or being unable to pass stool or gas. This is an emergency because the blood supply can be cut off.
Most people walk on the same day and return to light or desk work in 1 to 2 weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about 4 to 6 weeks, or as your surgeon advises.
Nissen fundoplication is an anti-reflux operation in which the top of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus. It is commonly done together with repair of a hiatal hernia, which is a hernia of the stomach through the diaphragm.
The main types are inguinal, femoral, umbilical, epigastric, incisional and hiatal, with rarer types including Spigelian, obturator, lumbar, parastomal and congenital diaphragmatic hernias.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a doctor or other qualified health professional. See our medical disclaimer.
Surgeries
What Nissen fundoplication is, who needs anti-reflux surgery for GERD or a hiatal hernia, how it is done, recovery, gas-bloat syndrome and other options.
Updated 2026-09-22 · 5 min read
Surgeries
A complete guide to every type of hernia, where each one occurs, who gets it, the symptoms, and which ones need urgent surgery.
Updated 2026-09-22 · 7 min read
Surgeries
Why an appendectomy is needed for appendicitis, how the surgery is done, what recovery looks like and when to call your surgeon.
Updated 2026-09-21 · 2 min read