Which type of hernia is most commonly found in the general population?

The most commonly found type of hernia in the general population is the indirect inguinal hernia. This type occurs when abdominal contents protrude through a weakened area in the inguinal canal, which is a passage in the lower abdominal wall. Indirect hernias are particularly prevalent because they often result from a congenital defect in the inguinal canal, meaning they can be more common among males due to the natural descent of the testicles, which creates a potential weakness in that area.

Furthermore, indirect inguinal hernias can develop in individuals of various ages, making them a frequent diagnosis in both children and adults. The high incidence of this type of hernia, alongside its tendency to occur in a male-dominated demographic, contributes to its position as the most common type seen in the general population. Other types of hernias, such as direct inguinal or femoral hernias, may also occur but do not match the frequency seen with indirect inguinal hernias. Meanwhile, hiatal hernias, which occur when part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, tend to be less common than the other types listed and primarily affect older adults.