A ventral hernia can occur anywhere along the abdominal wall, which is the area between the ribs above, the pelvic bones below, and the spine at the back but excluding inguinal hernias (which occur in the groin).

They can be primary or spontaneous like the epigastric, umbilical, Spigelian, or lumbar. These areas are anatomically devoid of muscle or thinner and can develop weakness leading to spontaneous hernia. They may also be secondary or acquired like incisional (hernia in a previous surgical scar) which predisposes it to hernia formation. There are also recurrent hernias i.e. hernia re-occurrence in a previously operated hernia which may be due to mesh failure, obesity, weak abdominal musculature, malnutrition, or other medical conditions.