Hernia is a general term for a hole caused by a weak spot in your abdominal wall. Epigastric hernia is a type of hernia in the epigastric region of the abdominal wall. Above the navel and just below the sternum of the rib cage.
This type of hernia is very common in both adults and children. About 2 to 3 percent of all abdominal hernias are epigastric hernias. It is also seen in babies.
Most of the time, you will have no symptoms or only minor symptoms with an epigastric hernia. Lack of symptoms means this condition tends to go unreported.
Symptoms of epigastric hernia
An epigastric hernia causes a lump to form, usually in the area below your breastbone or breastbone and above your belly button. This lump is caused by a mass of fat passing through the hernia.
The raised area can be seen all the time or just when you cough, sneeze or laugh. This lump or mass may grow larger and bigger in some cases. You can have more than one epigastric hernia at the same time.
An epigastric hernia can also cause tenderness and pain in the epigastric region. However, it is common for an epigastric hernia to not show any symptoms.
Causes of epigastric hernia
An epigastric hernia may occur when the tissues in the abdominal wall are not completely closed during development. Research continues to look for specific causes of this type of hernia. Not much is known about epigastric hernias because they have not been reported many times, possibly due to the lack of symptoms. However, the Reliable Source theory has gained some credibility. It is believed that when there is tension in the area where the abdominal wall in the epigastric region connects to the diaphragm, it can cause an epigastric hernia.
Treatment options for this condition
This type of hernia does not go away on its own and complications eventually lead you to surgery. Surgery is the only way to repair an epigastric hernia. It is the recommended treatment method even for babies because of the growth of hernia and the risk of causing additional complications and pain.
You may only need stitches or you may need an implanted mesh to complete the repair. The use of mesh or stitches is determined by the size of the hernia and other factors.
Emergency symptoms of epigastric hernia
If your epigastric hernia is not treated, you have vomiting or fever, and you have an increase in abdominal pain, you should seek medical treatment immediately. These may indicate an intestinal obstruction.
Surgery to repair an epigastric hernia can lead to some serious complications. You should seek medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms after surgery:
- high fever
- difficulty urinating
- discharge from the surgical site
- pain or increased swelling in the surgical area
- bleeding that won’t stop
- nausea
- vomiting
- Untreated epigastric hernia complications and risks
For an untreated epigastric hernia, complications include:
- enlarged hernia, which eventually allows portions of the intestine to pass through
- increased or onset of pain and sensitivity
- bowel obstruction
- loss of space, where the hernia has become very large and is almost impossible to repair even with a net
- Complications for surgical repair of an epigastric hernia include all of the major complications surrounding surgery and general anesthesia and those associated with this particular surgical procedure. These complications can include:
- bleeding
- ache
- wound infection at the surgical site
- scar remaining after healing
- blood clots
- development of a non-herniated lump
- the hernia has a low chance of recurrence
- network infection (in case an artificial mesh is used to repair the hernia)
View
Surgical repair of epigastric hernia is a common procedure and has a very positive outlook. Most people can go home the same day as the surgery.
You can even return to work or school within a day or two with some minor restrictions. Specifically, most surgeons wouldn’t ask you to lift a heavier weight than a gallon of milk for six to eight weeks.
