Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Ventral Hernias

5. Congenital vs. Acquired

A ventral hernia is also categorized as either congential or acquired. Most hernias are acquired and result from surgery, trauma, or stress. Congenital hernias are present at birth. Some people live with congenital hernias for years before having them repaired. A congenital diaphragmatic hernia results from a defect in the diaphragm that occurs during fetal development. In most cases, these are isolated, but they can also indicate other congenital defects or syndromes.