Epigastric Hernia
Epigastric hernia is a lump or bulge 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 hernia can be present from birth. They may vary in size, and it is possible to have more than one epigastric hernia at a time.
Symptoms –
An epigastric hernia usually causes a bump to occur in the area below your sternum, or breastbone, and above your belly button. This bump is caused by a mass of fat that has pushed through the hernia.
The raised area may be visible all the time or only when you cough, sneeze, or laugh. This bump, or mass, can grow and become larger in some cases. You can have more than one epigastric hernia at a time.
An epigastric hernia can also cause tenderness and pain in the epigastric region. However, it’s common for an epigastric hernia not to show any symptoms
Causes –
It’s believed that the epigastric hernia may be caused when there is tension in the area where the abdominal wall in the epigastric region attaches to the diaphragm.
In children, epigastric hernias are congenital. This means that children are born with them due to incomplete closure of the fibrous tissue of the abdomen during the baby’s development in the womb. Although epigastric hernias are congenital, the bulge/lump may not be seen until children are older.
Risk Factors –
Risk factors for epigastric hernias include:
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Lifting heavy weights or objects
• Strenuous activities
• Being overweight
• Steroid use
• A previous pregnancy
These conditions and activities weaken abdominal muscles and stretch the abdominal wall, which can cause epigastric hernias.
Complications –
The complications for an untreated epigastric hernia include the following:
• enlarged hernia, which eventual allows parts of the bowel to push through
• increase or onset of pain and tenderness
• bowel blockage
• loss of domain, in which the hernia becomes so large that’s nearly impossible to repair even with a mesh
Epigastric Hernia Surgery is the recommended option. Even though an epigastric hernia can be relatively painless, if they are left untreated they can enlarge. Leaving them alone can also increase the risk of strangulation , making them more difficult to repair.
Treatment –
There are two main surgical repair treatments available for those suffering from the condition:
• Open mesh repair- A small incision is made at the hernia site, the bulge is returned, and a fine mesh is placed over the opening. The body then heals around it.
• Keyhole surgery (Laparoscopic repair) – Four small incisions made through the abdominal wall. A small thin telescope and surgical instruments are then positioned to examine and deal with the hernia internally
For more informative articles on different hernias and other health related issues, please visit our website www.santripty.com and also feel free to consult with our experienced team of doctors, get benefits and stay healthy.