Are Ventral and Hiatal Hernia the Same?

Unlike ventral hernias, which protrude through the abdominal wall, a hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through a small opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest.

What is another name for ventral hernia?

There are three types of ventral hernia: Epigastric (stomach area) hernia: Occurs anywhere from just below the breastbone to the navel (belly button). This type of hernia is seen in both men and women. Umbilical (belly button) hernia: Occurs in the area of the belly button.

What are the two types of hiatal hernias?

There are two main types of hiatal hernias: sliding and paraesophageal (next to the esophagus). In a sliding hiatal hernia, the stomach and the section of the esophagus that joins the stomach slide up into the chest through the hiatus.