What is an epigastric hernia?
A protrusion of fat (‘preperitoneal fat’) from just under the abdominal wall through a small hole in the ‘linea alba’. The linea alba is the strong tissue that runs down the middle between the “abs” (rectus abdominus) muscles.
If the hernia is just above the belly button (umbilicus) it is called a ‘supraumbilical hernia’.
What problems does it cause?
Cosmetic (the visible lump).
Pain (sometimes).
Progressive enlargement.
What is the treatment?
The options are:
a) Simple observation.
b) Surgical repair.
Epigastric hernias do not tend to resolve by themselves. On the other hand, they are not dangerous.
How is the surgery performed?
Under a general anaesthetic (asleep) in the operating theatre.
A mark is placed on the site of the hernia before the operation. This is because the ‘lump’ can disappear when the abdomen is relaxed under the anaesthetic.
At operation, a small transverse (cross-ways) incision is made at the marked site and the hernia is repaired.
Dissolving subcuticular (under the skin) sutures are used to close the skin.
What are some of the possible complications?
- Infection.
- Bruising or bleeding.
- Inability to find a hernia.
- Recurrence.
- Hypertrophic or keloid scarring.
What to expect after the operation
Your child will stay in hospital for approximately 2 hours following surgery and go home after this, when fully recovered.
There will be a scar at the site where the hernia had been.
The stitches are dissolvable and usually cannot be seen because they run under the skin (‘subcuticular’).
Your surgeon or anaesthetist will usually use local anaesthetic to reduce pain after the operation. This wears off after a few hours. At home, give paracetamol for pain relief.
