A hernia in the epigastric area of the abdominal wall is known as an Epigastric hernia. It is found above the belly button and just underneath the sternum of the rib cage. A hernia usually happens when an organ is pushed through a weak spot or opening in the tissue or muscle.
This type of hernia is generally found in adults, children and it is also seen in new-born’s. According to Dr. Valeria Simone MD (Southlake General Surgery, Texas), a board-certified general surgeon, approximately 2 percent of all abdominal hernias are epigastric hernias.
At times, an individual may not have any symptoms or just minor symptoms in this type of hernia.
What are the causes of an epigastric hernia?
When the muscle or tissue in the abdominal walls doesn’t close during the development it causes an epigastric hernia. There is continuous research going on to identify the cause of this sort of hernia since many people have not reported this problem due to lack of symptoms.
In a study is believed that the epigastric hernia may happen when there is pressure in the region where the abdominal wall epigastric area appends to the diaphragm.
What are the symptoms of an epigastric hernia?
An epigastric hernia is generally visible in the form of a lump in the area below the sternum of the rib cage and above the belly button. This lump is formed by an accumulation of fat that has squeezed through an opening in the muscle or tissue.
This can cause tenderness and pain at the hernia site or few people may not have any symptoms.
In few cases, this lump can grow and expand. An individual can have multiple epigastric hernias at the same time.
Treatment of an epigastric hernia
This sort of hernia will not heal on its own and complications will ultimately lead to hernia surgery. It is recommended to have hernia surgery for the treatment of an epigastric hernia.
The risk of hernias is always there as they grow and expand with time and creates additional complications with pain. Your doctor may suggest the type of surgical procedures by looking at the medical history and present health examination.
Your doctor may recommend any of these surgeries: Laparoscopic hernia surgery or Open Surgery.
After hernia surgery complications of an epigastric hernia
If an individual has not opted for any treatment for this sort of hernia, it should be treated immediately if you experience fever, vomiting, and abdominal. These symptoms may show a bowel obstruction.
Hernia repair surgery for an epigastric hernia may lead to various severe complications. If the patient experiences any of the following symptoms after surgery, immediately consult your doctor:
- Discharge from the surgical site and increase in pain or swelling
- Bleeding that will not stop
- Problem in urinating
- Fever, nausea, and vomiting
What are the complications and risks of ignoring epigastric hernia?
You may experience the following complications for ignoring the epigastric hernia.
- Increase in the size hernia that generally allows a portion of the bowel to push through
- increase in pain and tenderness
- bowel obstruction
- over large hernia that could be difficult to repair even with a mesh
After hernia repair surgery of epigastric hernia, the complications are basic looking at surgery and general anesthesia, that may include:
- Pain
- Swelling at the surgical site
- Bleeding from surgical wounds
- wound infection or mesh infection
- lump development that isn’t a hernia
- blood clots
- after healing scars
- rare chances of hernia recurring
Takeaway
Hernia repair surgery of an epigastric hernia is a common procedure and one of the safest procedures. Many people can go home the same after laparoscopic surgery whereas, in open surgery, the patient has to stay in the hospital for a couple of days after surgery.
The patient can resume their regular activities in about a week or two under the guidelines of the doctor that includes – avoid lifting heavyweights, extensive workouts, or sports activities for about six to eight weeks. This will the patient to heal quickly and speed up the recovery process.
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