A hernia in the stomach occurs when an organ or tissue bulges through a weak point in the wall of the abdomen. The abdominal wall is made up of layers of muscle and strong tissue that help protect internal organs. A hernia can occur when there is a gap in this muscular wall that allows the contents inside the abdomen to protrude outward.

Hernias can occur gradually as you get older and regular wear and tear on your muscles begins to add up. They can also result from an injury, surgery, or birth disorder. Anything that causes an increase in pressure in the abdomen can cause a hernia, including lifting heavy objects without stabilizing the abdominal muscles, diarrhea or constipation, and persistent coughing or sneezing.

There are different types of hernias, including:

• Inguinal hernia: The bowel or other abdominal tissue pushes through the abdominal wall in the lower part of the abdomen, causing a lump in the groin. Inguinal hernias are more common in men.
• Umbilical hernia: The bowel or abdominal tissue pushes through the abdominal wall near the belly button (naval). Umbilical hernias are more common in newborns.
• Incisional hernia: The bowel or other abdominal tissue pushes through the abdominal wall where it’s been made weak by surgery or trauma.
• Hiatal hernia: Part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through the opening in the diaphragm (the layer of muscle separating the stomach from the chest) where the esophagus (food pipe) passes through. It is sometimes called a hiatial hernia.
• Femoral hernia: The bowel or other abdominal tissue pushes through the abdominal wall near where the leg joins the body. Femoral hernias are more common in women.

Symptoms of a hernia may include a bulge or lump in the affected area, discomfort or pain, and a feeling of pressure or weakness in the abdomen. If the hernia is trapped and you or your child are in serious pain, seek emergency medical attention. A doctor typically can see or feel a bulge from a hernia during a physical exam, but some cases might require a CT scan, ultrasound, or other imaging to diagnose the condition accurately.

Since hernias don’t go away by themselves, you’ll likely need a procedure to fix it. You’ll be in good company: these are among the most common surgeries. Treatment options include open surgery and minimally invasive surgery using a surgical robot.