A hernia happens an organ or tissue bulges through a given muscle's perimeter, or the connective tissue surrounding it, is weak. Some hernias may cause minimal symptoms but others can cause complications that require medical attention. Understanding the several kinds of hernias and how to treat them efficiently is important for preparation. 

Various Kinds of Hernias:

1. Inguinal Hernia

- Description: This is the most common type of hernias. It occurs when a portion of the intestine or fatty tissue protrudes through the lower abdominal wall and muscle into the groin. 

- Who It Affects: This primarily affects men and is usually age-related, combined with physical strain. 

- Symptoms: Bulge in the groin area. Pain is experienced during coughing or lifting. 

- Treatment: Surgical repair is usually preferred, whether by open surgery or laparoscopic techniques.

2. Femoral Hernia

- Description: A type of hernia that develops when fatty tissue or part of the bowel pushes through the femoral canal near the upper thigh. 

- Who It Affects: Develops more often in women, especially older females. 

- Symptoms: Lump near the groin course and the risk of serious complications, like incarceration.

- Treatment: In most cases, surgery will be required due to the potential for strangulation. 

3. Umbilical Hernia

- Description: This is seen when a portion of tissue of the abdomen bulges through a pre-existing weakness of the abdominal wall around the navel region (umbilicus). 

- Who It Affects: Usually occurs in kids, mostly infant and toddlers, but occasionally in adults as well. 

- Symptoms: A bump in the region surrounding the navel; Normally does not hurt in younger patients but could cause some pain in older adults.  

- Treatment: In older children and adults, it usually requires surgical repair, but in some instances, it could resolve in infants. 


4. Incisional Hernia

 - Description: Forms as a result of weakening of the abdominal wall within the confines of a pre-existing surgical scar. 

- Who It Affects: Often seen in patients post abdomen surgeries. 

- Symptoms: A protrusion at the level of the operation that becomes worse during use of muscles (bearing down, lifting, or exercising). 

- Treatment: It is frequent practice to suggest surgical repair with mesh for reinforcement. 


5. Hiatal Hernia

- Description: This type of hernia is when a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and into the thoracic cavity. 

- Who It Affects: Frequently seen in older aged people and pregnant women. 

- Symptoms: a burning sensation in the chest or upper stomach area, pain in the chest, or a sour tasting liquid in the mouth as a result of acid reflux. 

- Treatment: Lifestyle changes, acid reflux drugs, or surgery for severe cases.

6. Epigastric Hernia

• Description: Fatty tissue protrudes through a compromised area located between and above the umbilicus and the xiphoid process.

• Who it Affects: More prevalent among men and individuals in their twenties to fifties.

• Symptoms: Small, subcutaneous bump which is often painless, however it may cause slight irritation.

• Treatment: Symptomatic cases are surgically repaired.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical

Some hernias may be treated with a “watchful waiting” approach:

1. Watchful Waiting: Recommended for very small hernias that are not currently symptomatic and carry very little risk.

2. Supportive Devices: Support garments, such as trusses or belts, provide some level of symptomatic relief, but do not cure the hernia.

3. Lifestyle Change: In the case of hiatal hernias, weight loss and a change in diet to decrease reflux and acid secretion can help.

Surgical 

Treatment for symptomatic or complicated hernias is usually surgical. This can be approached two ways: 

1. Open Surgery 

o Requires an incision over the hernia where the surgery would then be performed, followed by the placement of sutures or the mesh over the area.

o Can be utilized in cases with large or more complicated hernias.

2. Minimally Invasive Surgery 

o Uses small incision sites and performs the procedure via laparoscopic or robotic means. Followed up with placement of synthetic mesh over the area of repair.

o Has the added benefits of less recovery time, less pain, and reduced amount of scarring than the open surgery.

Mesh-Based Repairs

Mesh reinforcement is so popular that it is employed in the prevention of recurrence in almost any case.  

1.    Hernioplasty: In this procedure, the most common of all, the primary surgical intervention consists of reinforcing the weakened area with a long-term support mesh.

2.    Tension-Free Strategies: Internal pressure is low, therefore strain on the adjacent tissues is reduced and healing is better.  

Conclusion  

Not all hernias are the same. Some are more pronounced than the others, which is why they are accompanied by different indicators. The treatment methods are unique to the patient's needs. While some hiatal hernias can be treated non-operatively, most necessitate a surgical solution to avoid complications such as incarceration, strangulation, or other forms. Speaking with a best hernia specialist surgeon  makes certain that the patient receives an accurate diagnosis and the best method meets their individual clinical needs in relation to the expected outcome.