Epigastric Hernia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

A hernia arises when a spot in the muscles of the abdominal wall allows a segment of the intestine or abdominal tissue to protrude. An epigastric hernia is a type of ventral hernia that can appear underneath the breastbone and the navel.

The development of epigastric hernia can occur at any age, no matter the gender. About 2 to 3 per cent of all abdominal hernias are epigastric hernias.. An epigastric hernia may seem to appear and disappear.

They can vary in size, and more than one epigastric hernia can exist at the same time.

An epigastric hernia is usually tiny, with merely the abdominal lining breaking through the surrounding tissue. Larger hernias, on the other hand, may cause fatty tissue or a section of the stomach to protrude

 

Cause of Epigastric Hernia

CAUSES

The epigastric hernias are congenital, and they occur as a consequence of abdominal wall muscle deficiencies or inadequate abdominal tissue sealing during development. However, they can also be acquired after birth. 

Some aspects enhancing the development of epigastric hernia are:

1.  Obesity
2.  Pregnancy
3. Persistent coughs
4.  Heavy lifting
5.  Physical labour
6. Intensive training or sports
7. Genetic factors

 

Signs and Symptoms 

In the majority of the cases of epigastric hernia, no signs are observed. However, your doctor will still try to look for the following indications:

A noticeable bulge above your belly

1.  Tenderness
2. Pain in the upper belly
3. Discomfort 
4. Bloating 
5. Constipation
6.  Redness
7. Impulse of cough

 

Diagnosis

1. Your healthcare professional will initially look into your clinical records.
2. An epigastric hernia can be diagnosed by physical examination. Your doctor might ask you to cough or bear down for the physical examination.
3. The doctor will look for any symptoms indicating epigastric hernia such as vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, etc.

Other diagnostic techniques include:

1. Blood tests: These are performed to identify any infection led by necrosis or intestinal blockage.
2.  MRI, CT scan, and Ultrasound: These imaging tests aid in identifying blockage as well as the exact location of the disease.
3.  ECG test for heart patients or patients aged above 45 years

 

Treatment

The disease in infants is usually healed on its own before the age of five. Your child's doctor might advise the surgical treatment only if 

1. The hernia is larger
2. It is very painful
3.  It is very discomforting
4.  It doesn't heal by the age of 5
5. While adults with this kind of hernia are often recommended to undergo surgery to reduce the risk of further complications, the treatment approach for your hernia will be determined by the size and location of your hernia, your overall health, and your projected degree of physical activity in the future.
6. The procedure takes 60-90 minutes, and an adult patient can be discharged on the same day. However, in the case of children, the doctor keeps them under observation overnight. 
7. Your doctor will advise you of a surgical procedure based upon:
8.  Your age
9. Size of hernia
10. Your present medical condition
11.  Your medical history
12.  Presence of infection
13. Size and contour of the abdominal wall
14. The following are the methods of surgery:

Laparoscopic:

1.  In this procedure, the surgeon utilises a camera inserted via multiple tiny openings to fix the hernia.
2. Since the size of the cut is small, there are fewer chances of infection.
3.  It is generally an outpatient procedure, i.e., you might get discharged the same day. 

Open surgery:

1. In this, the surgeon creates an incision next to your hernia, then pulls the tissues firmly into alignment and sews the wound up.
2. You might feel pain after the procedure
3. You might not get discharged on the same day.

Robotic hernia repair:

1.  The procedure is similar to laparoscopic; the only difference is in this procedure; the surgeon operates and handles the instruments via console. 
2.  It is used for small hernias and weaker areas.
3.  It can reconstruct the abdominal wall.

How to Consult a Doctor

1. Before going to the doctor, you must pen down a few aspects you should talk about:
2.  What is the severity of the disease?
3.  Do I require any surgery?
4.  In case of surgery, what will be my recovery time period?
5. Which kind of surgery will be the most suitable for me?
6.  What are the dos and don'ts?
7. Can the symptoms worsen?
8.  How will my lifestyle be affected?
9.  What diet should I follow?
10.  What are the possible side effects?
11. Are there any risks and complications associated with my disease or the surgery?
12. Your doctor will also review your past medical records and family history with hernias and will ask you about any pre-existing medical condition you might have.

 

1. Surgery can help to relieve pain that is caused by the hernia