An epigastric hernia is a common hernia condition that is more likely to develop in men. It is a commonly found health concern that requires surgery to be fully repaired. Its location, causes, symptoms, and treatment may seem similar to other types of hernia. But, it is essential to learn the details about it to release any confusion and doubts.
Epigastric Hernia – A General Understanding
An epigastric hernia is common as a medical condition. It can develop in infants and in adults too. At least 2 to 3% of abdomen hernias are likely identified as epigastric hernias. To medically explain, an epigastric hernia is located at the epigastric part of the abdomen wall. It is accurately located below the chest and above the belly button area.
In many cases, it has been reported that due to the lack of visible symptoms, it faces diagnosis difficulty and may not always be easily identified.
Causes of Epigastric Hernia
The occurrence of the epigastric hernia is seen when the tissue found in the abdomen wall does not fully close during the time of development. More research has been done on the main causes that are responsible for the development of epigastric hernia, but not much has been known till now.
One theory says that epigenetic hernia can be caused due to having tension in the epigastric area and its surrounding abdomen wall which is attached to the diaphragm.
It is still unlikely to clarify the above research completely. The main reason for this is the lack of physical signs to conduct the diagnosis.
Symptoms of Epigastric Hernia
The first sign to look for when looking for an epigastric hernia is the bulge that forms somewhere below the breastbone and above the belly button. This is highly possible that such bulging can be the result of a hernia pushing the fat.
Though this type of hernia is said to show rarely of its signs and symptoms. But, the minor symptoms may include pain and tenderness caused by an epigastric hernia in the epigastric area that can help at the time of diagnosis.
Further, a person can have multiple epigastric hernias and these hernias may grow larger while a person does any of the straining activities like sneezing, laughing, or coughing.
Treatment Options Available to Treat Epigastric Hernia
The highly recommended treatment option for epigastric hernia patients is surgical repair of an epigastric hernia. This type of hernia can only be best remedied through surgery.
During the surgery procedure, the surgeon uses mesh or sutures to close the surgery carefully. For the decision to use a mesh or sutures for the hernia surgery, the surgeon looks for various factors.
Risks and Complications
The risks in terms of epigastric hernia are if the condition is left untreated. Such a situation causes major difficulties.
- 1. Pain or discomfort increases and may become worse.
- 2. Bowel gets blocked
- 3. An untreated hernia may enlarge and allow a certain part of the bowel to push through
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Complications post hernia repair surgery includes
- 1. Pain and discomfort
- 2. Blood clotting
- 3. Scarring does not fade away during healing
- 4. Bleeding
- 5. Recurrence of hernia can be a possibility
- 6. Infection or wounds
- 7. An unidentified bulging may develop
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Why choose Glamyo Health?
Glamyo Health ensures a hassle-free medical procedure from your day of the first consultation with the experienced doctor, seamless surgery and discharge along with regular follow-ups.
Here, the patient receives complete guidance from day one and beneficial healthcare support to ease the whole surgery experience.
Final Words
An epigastric hernia is proven to repair through the most effective surgical procedure only. Any other remedy is yet incomplete and does not equally effectively treat hernia, as done through surgery.
As the initial recovery time is very sensitive. Your doctor will instruct you on every detail regarding post-surgery care and regarding returning to your daily activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is epigastric hernia curable?
Yes, an epigastric hernia can be cured. A small-sized epigastric hernia may go away on its own. But, bigger ones need surgery to cure them fully.
Is epigastric hernia major surgery?
It is a safe and secure surgery procedure performed simplistically. The surgery is conducted under general anesthesia and it takes less than an hour to complete.
What to avoid if you have an epigastric hernia?
Majorly, for a patient with an epigastric hernia, it is strongly advisable to avoid heavy weight lifting or activities that put excessive strain on the person’s body.
How common is an epigastric hernia?
Generally, this type of hernia is more common in men than in women. As estimated 3 to 5% of the population are diagnosed with an epigastric hernia.
How do you treat an epigastric hernia?
The best-recommended way to treat epigastric hernia is through undergoing epigastric hernia repair surgery performed by a professional surgeon. This procedure to treat epigastric hernia is safe and effective.
Is walking good for epigastric hernia?
Post epigastric hernia repair surgery it is advised to slowly start walking as a minimal movement in the body brings activeness. The only precaution after epigastric surgery is to avoid any kind of lifting activities.
Can an epigastric hernia burst?
At times, it may happen that an epigastric hernia bursts internally. Though it is rare, anyone who does not keep proper care of their hernia may experience sudden bursting. This rapture may even be spontaneous due to coughing, straining, or lifting weights.
What kind of doctor treats epigastric hernia?
At the initial stage, you can visit your regular doctor or care provider and according to the condition, you will be directed to visit a general surgeon for the surgical procedure that needs to be followed.
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