The term hernia is used by doctors to describe all hernias of the abdominal wall. In a hernia, parts of the intestines protrude from the abdominal cavity through a congenital or acquired gap (the so-called hernial orifice) in the layers of the abdominal wall.
These protruding viscera, e.g. parts of the intestine, are also referred to as hernia contents. They are enclosed in the peritoneum and form a sac-like protrusion, also known as a hernia sac.
Occurrence and presentation of an inguinal hernia © designua | AdobeStock
An overview and more detailed information about the most common hernias and their surgical procedures can be found here:
A basic distinction is made between external hernias, which protrude from the inside of the body towards the skin and are palpable and visible from the outside, and internal hernias, which occur inside the torso.
External hernias include, for example
- Inguinal hernias (inguinal hernias),
- Umbilical hernias (umbilical hernias),
- Femoralhernias below the inguinal ligament,
- Incisional hernias in the area of surgical scars,
- parastomal hernias in the area of artificial bowel outlets and
- epigastric hernias at the midline of the upper abdomen.
Diaphragmatic hernias (hiatal hernias), on the other hand, are internal hernias.
Hernia types at a glance
Hernia specialists are experienced and qualified surgeons from the field of general and visceral surgery who specialize in the surgical treatment of hernias. As they regularly perform hernia operations for inguinal hernias, diaphragmatic hernias, femoral hernias, umbilical hernias or other types of hernias, they have proven experience and expertise in the field of hernia surgery.
Experienced specialists in hernia surgery work primarily in hernia centers certified by the German Hernia Society (DHG) and the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV). These are surgical clinics or specialist departments that have been awarded the "DHG Seal of Quality Assured Hernia Surgery" and/or the certificate as a competence or reference center for hernia surgery as part of a certification process.
Hernias are now one of the most frequently surgically treated diseases in Germany. More than 350,000 hernia operations are now performed in German hospitals every year.
Hernia surgery specialists have a wide range of therapeutic services at their disposal for the surgical treatment of hernias. The surgical spectrum of hernia surgery ranges from simple suture closure of hernias to reconstruction of the abdominal wall and abdominal wall replacement using plastic or biological meshes.
Hernia surgery can be performed conventionally as part of an open procedure or minimally invasively using endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures.
Inguinal hernia operated on with mesh using the Lichtenstein procedure © Prof. Dr. med. Thomas W. Kraus
It is not possible to designate a clinic as the "best clinic" or "top clinic" for hernia surgery. However, there are doctors and clinics that specialize in the surgical treatment of hernias and have a great deal of experience. You can find these hernia surgery experts in the Leading Medicine Guide.
Only selected highly qualified medical experts and specialists in hernia surgery are presented in the Leading Medicine Guide. All hernia surgeons have a high level of professional expertise and extensive experience in the field of hernia surgery.
