epigastric hernias

An epigastric hernia is a type of hernia that causes fat to push through a weakened area in the walls of the abdomen. It may develop in the epigastrium

(upper, central part of the abdomen). Epigastric hernias are more common in adults and usually appear above the umbilical region of the abdomen.

Full Answer

What are the most common symptoms of an epigastric hernia?

Your chances are also higher if you:

• Are overweight
• Have been pregnant multiple times
• Have a lot of belly fluid (a condition called ascites)
• Have a long-term cough
• Have trouble peeing because of an enlarged prostate
• Are constipated for long periods of time
• Vomit repeatedly

When does epigastric hernia need repair?

Why does the epigastric hernia need to be repaired? This type of hernia will not close on its own and must be repaired with surgery within a few months after finding it or sooner if your child is in pain. If not repaired, the hernia may get bigger or become painful. Very rarely, the hernia can get stuck, which is called “incarcerated.”

What are the health risk factors of an epigastric hernia?

What are the Complications of Epigastric Hernia Surgery?

• Wound infection can be a complication of epigastric hernia surgery. Infections may occur after the surgery if not taken care properly. ...
• Wound hematoma is a complication of epigastric hernia surgery. A firm swelling can be seen if there is bleeding under the skin. ...
• Recurrence of epigastric hernia is a possible complication of epigastric hernia surgery. ...

What increases my risk for an epigastric hernia?

Epigastric hernias commonly occur between the ages of 20 and 50. Other risk factors for hernias include weakness in the abdomenal muscles, obesity, being pregnant multiple times, and having surgery that involves an incision in the abdomenal wall. Lifting weights may also be a cause, but it usually just makes an existing hernia more obvious.

How serious is an epigastric hernia?

The hernia can cause severe pain and other potentially serious problems that could require emergency surgery. An epigastric hernia comes through the linea alba between the umbilicus and the bottom end of the sternal bone. These hernias are multiple in 20% of the cases.

When should I worry about an epigastric hernia?

Emergency symptoms of an epigastric hernia If your epigastric hernia hasn't been treated, you should get medical treatment immediately if you have vomiting or fevers and an increase in abdominal pain. These may indicate a bowel blockage. Surgery to repair an epigastric hernia can lead to certain serious complications.

What can be mistaken for epigastric hernia?

Epigastric hernias can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired. They are similar to an umbilical hernia, except the umbilical hernia forms around the belly button and the epigastric hernia is usually between the belly button and the chest.

What aggravates an epigastric hernia?

An epigastric hernia is usually asymptomatic but can present with pain and/or a notable lump just below the breastbone. The hernia can be aggravated by exercise and eating at times. On rare occasions it can also become very painful and irreducible (incarcerated).

What does a epigastric hernia feel like?

Signs and symptoms include: A bulge in the affected area. Pain — which can range from a dull ache to severe pain — especially when coughing, sneezing or lifting heavy objects. Bloating or constipation.

What happens if a hernia is left untreated?

“Hernias cannot heal on their own — if left untreated, they usually get bigger and more painful, and can cause serious health risks in some cases.” If the wall through which the intestine is protruding closes shut, it can cause a strangulated hernia, which cuts off blood flow to the bowel.

How do I know if I have a hernia in my upper stomach?

Signs and Symptoms of a HerniaAn obvious swelling beneath the skin of the abdomen or the groin. ... A heavy feeling in the abdomen that sometimes comes with constipation or blood in the stool.Discomfort in the abdomen or groin when lifting or bending over.A burning or aching sensation at the bulge.More items...

Can ultrasound detect epigastric hernia?

Abdominal wall hernia Sometimes a hernia cannot be diagnosed through a physical exam alone, and other diagnostic tests are needed. Some examples of these include: Ultrasound.

Where do you feel epigastric pain?

Epigastric pain is pain that is localized to the region of the upper abdomen immediately below the ribs. Often, those who experience this type of pain feel it during or right after eating or if they lie down too soon after eating. It is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn.

Is it OK to exercise with epigastric hernia?

Following the operation you should avoid heavy lifting for four to six weeks. After about four weeks you should be able to increase your exercise activities. Starting with gentle rhythmic exercises such as cycling or cross-training and gradually building up to your normal exercise regimen.

How big is an epigastric hernia?

They may vary in size, and it is possible to have more than one epigastric hernia at a time. Typically, an epigastric hernia is small, with only the lining of the abdomen breaking through the surrounding tissue. Larger hernias, however, may cause fatty tissue or part of the stomach to push through.

Can you push an epigastric hernia back in?

An irreducible hernia cannot be pushed back inside. Any time a hernia cannot be reduced, you should contact your health-care provider. Sometimes these types of hernias can become strangulated. The tissue, usually intestine, can become trapped and the blood supply cut off.

What causes an epigastric hernia?

Some factors that may cause or exacerbate epigastric hernias include: obesity. pregnancy. coughing fits. heavy lifting. physical labor. intensive training or sports.

Where are hernias located?

Epigastric hernias are lumps or bulges that occur in the upper part of the abdominal wall – in an area known as the epigastrium, which is above the navel and just below the breastbone. Epigastric hernias can be present from birth.

What is a hernia in children?

Treatment for children. Outlook. A hernia is a bulge that results from bodily tissue pushing through the surrounding muscle. The majority of hernias occur in the abdomen, and there are several types of abdominal hernias, including those known as epigastric hernias.

What is the procedure to repair a hernia?

Surgical repair can be carried out under general anesthetic or local anesthetic, depending on the preference of the individual and the advice of the surgeon. Once the anesthetic has taken its course, the surgeon will make an incision in the hernia and insert a laparoscope.

What is the term for a bump in the abdomen that can be seen and felt?

pain. tenderness . an abdominal bump that can be seen and felt. Certain actions, such as straining, crying, or having a bowel movement, may produce or exacerbate these symptoms. The symptoms of some epigastric hernias come and go, which is known as a reducible hernia.

How long does it take for a bulge to heal after abdominal surgery?

Some postoperative pain, discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the abdominal area are normal. Doctors may recommend pain relief for the first 48 hours. A bulge may still be present after the surgery. This is likely to be caused by the suture used to close the abdominal wall and should diminish over time.

What is the stitch for a hernia?

If the area causing muscular weakness is small, the surgeon may stitch it up. These permanent stitches are known as sutures, and they will prevent the hernia from pushing through again. Large areas of muscular weakness may require a patch of nylon mesh, which is stitched in place to cover the hole.

What is an epigastric hernia?

Surgery. Recovery. An epigastric hernia happens when a weakness in the abdominal muscle allows the tissues of the abdomen to protrude through the muscle. It is usually present at birth and is similar to an umbilical hernia, except the umbilical hernia forms around the belly button and the epigastric hernia is usually between ...

Why do my hernias not show up in my life?

For many, a hernia does not cause symptoms until later in life due to obesity, muscle weakness, or strain on the muscular wall of the abdomen.

How long does it take for a hernia to heal?

Most hernia patients are able to return to their normal activity within two to four weeks. Elderly patients make take longer. The belly will be tender, especially for the first week. During this time, the incision should be protected during activity that increases abdominal pressure by applying firm but gentle pressure on the incision line .

What is the tissue that is pushing through the abdominal lining called?

The surgeon then isolates the portion of the abdominal lining that is pushing through the muscle. This tissue is called the “hernia sac.”.

What color is a strangulated hernia?

A strangulated hernia can be identified by the deep red or purple color of the bulging tissue. It may be accompanied by severe pain, but is not always painful. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal swelling may also be present.

What is the sac in a hernia called?

This tissue is called the “hernia sac.”. The surgeon returns the hernia sac to its proper position, then begins to repair the muscle defect. If the defect in the muscle is small, it may be sutured closed. The sutures will remain in place permanently, preventing the hernia from returning.

What is an incarcerated hernia?

An incarcerated hernia is an emergency when it becomes a “strangulated hernia,” where the tissue that bulges outside of the muscle is being starved of its blood supply. This can cause the death of the tissue that is bulging through the hernia.

What is an epigastric hernia?

An epigastric (eh-pih-GAS-trik) hernia is when part of the intestines pushes through the abdominal muscles between the belly button and the chest. Many are small, cause no symptoms, and don't need treatment. Larger ones that do cause symptoms won't heal on their own, but surgery can fix the problem.

How to diagnose an epigastric hernia?

How Are Epigastric Hernias Diagnosed? Doctors can diagnose an epigastric hernia by doing an exam to look for a bump and asking about a child's symptoms, such as pain .

How to remove a hernia defect?

Remove the fat poking through the hernia defect or push it back into the abdomen. Close the hole or weak spot in the muscle with stitches. Close the incision with absorbable sutures under the skin and tape strips. The strips will fall off on their own in 1–2 weeks.

Why do my babies have hernias?

Babies can be born with this problem, or it can happen later because of weakness in the surrounding muscles or strain on the abdominal wall.

Where is the opening of the intestine?

With an epigastric hernia, the opening is near the center of the abdomen (belly), between the bottom of the breastbone (sternum) and the belly button. This area is called the epigastrium. Epigastric hernias happen because ...

Can epigastric hernias cause pain?

Most epigastric hernias don't cause symptoms. When they do, a child might have: a small bump or swelling above the belly button. discomfort or pain. The pain may get worse when the child stands, sneezes, coughs, or strains to go to the bathroom.

What is an epigastric hernia?

Epigastric hernia. Abdominal ultrasound of a midline epigastric hernia. An epigastric her nia is a type of hernia that causes fat to push through a weakened area in the walls of the abdomen. It may develop in the epigastrium (upper, central part of the abdomen ). Epigastric hernias are more common in adults and usually appear above ...

Where do epigastric hernias appear?

Epigastric hernias are more common in adults and usually appear above the umbilical region of the abdomen. It is a common condition that is usually asymptomatic although sometimes their unusual clinical presentation can present a diagnostic dilemma for the clinician.

What is the best way to diagnose a suspected hernia?

Computed tomography scans of the suspected areas with intravenous contrast can assist in diagnosis. Doctors are also able to identify whether it is a suspected hernia by palpating the affected area. Ultrasonography is also used for diagnostic purposes.

Can an epigastric hernia cause tissue damage?

Unlike the benign diastasis recti, epigastric hernia may trap fat and other tissues inside the opening of the hernia, causing pain and tissue damage. It is usually present at birth and may appear and disappear only when the patient is doing an activity that creates abdominal pressure, pushing to have bowel movements, or crying.

Can epigastric hernias be repaired?

Symptomatic epigastric hernias are repaired with surgery. Even if they are asymptomatic, they can be surgically corrected for cosmetic reasons. In general, cosmetic surgery on infants is delayed until the infant is older and better able to tolerate anesthesia. If the size of the hernia is greater than 4 cm, then a hernioplasty or herniorraphy surgery is required.

How to diagnose an epigastric hernia?

Diagnosing an Epigastric Hernia. These small hernias are often diagnosed during a CT scan or another imaging test performed for a different reason. They may never cause any symptoms. If an epigastric hernia is causing symptoms, it may be diagnosed through a physical exam or through imaging tests such as ultrasounds.

What is the difference between an epigastric hernia and an epigastric hernia?

While all hernias occur when a weakening in your abdominal wall allows tissue to push through, epigastric hernias typically involve fat pushing through the abdominal wall.

Why do some hernias disappear?

Some seem to appear and disappear, which is known as a reducible hernia. Obesity and pregnancy both put pressure on the abdominal wall and can be risk factors for epigastric hernias.

What is it called when a hernia gets stuck?

When tissue gets stuck in a hernia, this is known as an incarceration. Often, this tissue can be pushed back inside when the patient is lying on their back. In infants who have epigastric hernias, repairs are often put off for several months.

Why does my baby have a bulge in the belly button?

In infants with epigastric hernias, they may be more apparent when the baby is crying or having a bowel movement. While epigastric hernias can cause pain, they often are not felt at all.

Why is it dangerous to have a hernia in jail?

This is because babies are better able to tolerate anesthetic once they are older, which reduces any risks associated with surgery. As long as the hernia is not getting larger, the chances of complications are small. An incarcerated hernia can become dangerous if strangulation occurs.

Where do ventral hernias occur?

Most occur around the navel and are often confused with umbilical hernias. They can occur anywhere from the breast bone to the navel, however. These hernias may be called ventral hernias by your doctor. This type of hernia is usually small.

What is an epigastric hernia?

Epigastric hernias , like umbilical hernias, are typically present from birth, although they can become more severe over time. They occur when the abdominal muscles between the belly button and the chest ... 7 important e-scooter laws you should know in California. When surgery is performed to repair an epigastric hernia, ...

How to diagnose epigastric hernia?

They may be diagnosed by a physician upon the initial exam of an infant, or they may become visible to the parent when the child is. Crying. Passing a bowel movement. Bending over or sitting up.

How to tell if a child has an epigastric hernia?

Performing other actions which engage the abdominal muscles. During these actions, you might see a lump protrude from the stomach above the belly button. The lump recedes once the child returns to a neutral position. Often, the only symptom of an epigastric hernia in children is mild to moderate pain.

Why are men more likely to have hernias?

Men are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop epigastric hernias within their lifetime than women are. 1 The hernia can become more problematic due to. Obesity. Strain on the abdominal muscles from lifting weights or heavy objects. Muscle weakness from surgery or inactivity.

What is a strangulated hernia?

Strangulated hernias are a serious condition, calling for immediate treatment in order to avoid permanent damage to the area. Severe and continuous pain associated with a tender and hard lump in the abdomen that does not go away may signal an incarcerated or strangulated hernia. 3.

What type of surgery is done on hernias?

There are two major types of surgery performed on hernias, including epigastric hernias. These are, Herniorrhaphy or tissue repair: a traditional open surgery in which the surgeon. makes a cut directly over the hernial sac. removes the tissue or pushes it back into the body, and.

Can an epigastric hernia be repaired?

In most cases, the hernia can be repaired before major complications occur. Unfortunately, on occasion, the epigastric hernia can become. Incarcerated: when the tissue is stuck in the “out” position and does not recede back inside the abdominal wall, or.

What causes an epigastric hernia?

Conditions, behaviors and activities that put strain on or weaken the abdominal wall can also cause umbilical or epigastric hernias. These include: Smoking. Diabetes. Using steroids or other medications that can compromise the immune system. Heavy lifting or other strenuous activities.

What is the procedure to repair a hernia?

Laparoscopic hernia repair: This is a minimally invasive procedure in which small incisions, a tiny video camera, special surgical tools and a piece of plastic mesh are used to repair the hernia. Robotic hernia repair: This procedure is similar to laparoscopic repair.

What is an umbilical hernia?

What is an umbilical or epigastric hernia? Umbilical or epigastric hernias occur when a part of the intestine pushes through an opening in the abdominal, or stomach, muscles.

Why does my umbilical hernia expand?

In most cases, it is not known why an umbilical or epigastric hernia develops in adults. The primary risk factors are being overweight or having prior pregnancy, either of which can cause an opening in the abdominal muscles to expand over time.

What tests are done to check for a hernia?

If you have an umbilical or epigastric hernia, your doctor will often order imaging tests, such as: Ultrasounds. Computed tomography (CT) scans. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

When do hernias resolve?

These types of hernias are most common in infants and will typically resolve on their own within the first five years. (Although if you suspect your child has one, you should consult with your pediatrician.) Sometimes, however, umbilical and epigastric hernias are diagnosed or develop later in childhood or in adulthood.

Can a hernia be repaired?

Observation: For less severe hernias, your doctor will recommend observing its progress over time before taking further action. Elective surgical repair: Some umbilical and epigastric hernias cause excessive pain or discomfort, which may lead your surgeon to recommend elective (non-emergency) surgical repair.

How to tell if epigastric hernia is severe?

If the physician is still not sure or if they want to determine how severe your epigastric hernia is they may have a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound done so they can look internally at your abdominal wall between your belly button and breastbone.

What does it mean when your epigastric hernia hurts?

Having unbearable or severe pain, which is usually in the upper belly. This usually happens when the epigastric hernia gets larger and gets trapped in the abdomen’s muscular wall. You may also notice a tender feeling around the area that is affected. You may also run a fever which can range from low to high grade.

How do you know if you have an epigastric hernia?

Some of the symptoms of having an epigastric hernia may include: The first sign is swelling or a bulge in your abdomen. You can usually feel this when you have a bowel movement or if your bend over to get something. The exertion can also come from laughing, coughing, or crying. The exertion of any of these can cause a strain on your abdomen ...

What are the two types of hernias?

There are two different types of epigastric hernias. Reducible epigastric hernia - this is the type in which the bulging tissue is pushing out of the hole or weakness and then falls back in again. Incarcerated epigastric hernia - this is the type in which the bulging tissue becomes lodged in the protruded position.

Why is my epigastric hernia blue?

This symptom can indicate something serious because the discoloration of your skin happens when it has become strangled. This can happen when the blood flow is totally cut off from the hernia.

Why are my abdominal walls weak?

It can also be caused with a small portion of any of your abdominal organs such as your liver, stomach, etc or small portion of your intestine becomes caught up in the wall so your abdominal cavity.

How to strengthen abdominal wall weakness?

The surgeon will also strengthen the weakness in your abdominal walls by stitching a patch of nylon mesh in place or using permanent stitches.

How do you know if you have an epigastric hernia?

If you have an epigastric hernia, you may be able to feel it when there is pressure on the abdominal wall, such as when you cough, laugh, or bear down to have a bowel movement . You may also have some pain or tenderness around where the hernia is.

What is a hernia in the body?

Share on Pinterest. A hernia occurs when a piece of tissue bulges through an area of the body — usually a weak point in a person’s abdominal wall. Some hernias may cause few symptoms. Others can be a medical emergency. Here we’ll discuss different areas in the body where hernias can occur, plus guide you to more in-depth articles about each hernia ...

What is hiatal hernia?

Hiatal hernias are classified into types — from type I to IV — depending on where they are located. An estimated 95 percent of hiatal hernias are type I: With these hernias, the stomach remains in position, yet the area where the esophagus meets the stomach slides above the diaphragm. Read about exercising with a hiatal hernia.

How common is an inguinal hernia in men?

They’re also much more common in men: An estimated 27 percent of men and only 3 percent of women will develop an inguinal hernia in their lifetime. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference between a femoral and inguinal hernia.

What is the name of the area where the body bulges?

Umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernias are those in which tissues in the body bulge through an area of weakness in the belly button area (umbilicus). According to the American College of Surgeons, an estimated 10 percent of all hernias in the stomach are umbilical hernias.

Why do women have femoral hernias?

Women experience femoral hernias more often than men. A femoral hernia can be a cause for concern due to the femoral artery and vein being nearby. It’s possible the hernia could affect these blood vessels and block blood flow to and from the leg.

What does a femoral hernia feel like?

A femoral hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak point in the groin or inner thigh. The hernia may feel like a small- to medium-sized lump in the groin.

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Overview

An epigastric hernia is a type of hernia that causes fat to push through a weakened area in the walls of the abdomen. It may develop in the epigastrium (upper, central part of the abdomen). Epigastric hernias are more common in adults and usually appear above the umbilical region of the abdomen. It is a common condition that is usually asymptomatic although sometimes their unusual clinical presentation can present a diagnostic dilemma for the clinician. Unlike the benign diastasis …

Symptoms

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Treatment

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