Epigastric hernia: what it is, causes and treatment

What is an epigastric hernia?

An epigastric hernia is an abnormal protrusion (small lump), due to a congenital weakness of the tissues of the abdominal line that joins the abdomen and rectum.

Note: There is a tumor that is usually visualized above the navel and this, although it is usually painless, runs the risk of increasing in size. (1)

It should be noted that the surgery performed for the treatment of this type of hernia is not emergency but ambulatory, even the patient is discharged the same day as long as there are no complications.

Causes of an epigastric hernia

This type of health disorders are usually caused thanks to excesses that alter the stable state of the individual’s organism. These causes will be mentioned and described below to take them into account.

Excessive weight lifting

The tension in the abdominal wall is one of the reasons that are considered a common factorin the four points of possible causes. This, therefore, occurs fromexcessive weight lifting, overweight, intense efforts and pregnancy.

Note: It is so far one of the only medical reasons with credibility as the cause of the development of epigastric hernias.

Overweight

Not all people who are obese develop epigastric hernias, but the conditions to which our body is subjected contribute to the weakening of the abdominal tissue.

Intense physical efforts

Physical efforts Contribute to weakening, because the characteristic is already congenitally present in the body. For that same reason, theyusually appear in areas that are affected or influenced by exertion, such as: abdominal wall, groin, thigh, and umbilical area.

Pregnancy

Its appearance during the gestation periodis quite common , just like the umbilical hernia, and it is due to the displacement of the organs and stretching of the skin. This favors the rupture of theaponeurotic fibers due to intra-abdominal pressure. (two)

Important: This type of hernia does not affect or put the fetus at risk in any way.

Aging

Aging brings with it a decrease in the production of collagenin the body, so the skin is in a much more vulnerable state. For the same reason and all the reasons previously exposed,there is a risk of the appearance of this type of hernia.

Symptoms of an epigastric hernia

Most hernias are asymptomatic , but it is important to highlight possible symptomsfor consideration and recognition if necessary. Below we mention and briefly describe them.

Bulge

The bulge is the main symptom and is due to the characteristic production of hernias, these being the push of fatty tissuetag. These tend to be much more evident when the patient makes physical efforts, as well as being the context in which aches and pains also occur.

Note: Normally it is usually a small lump, so it is these activities that modify its normal state.

Pain

When physical effort, excessive weight or some type of physical activity that requires body tension is carried out, the hernia usually presents pain or discomfort in the patient. This is due to the temporary increase in the size of the bulge or the production of tension in nearby areas, such as the abdominal wall.

Note: For this reason, hernias are usually limiting , especially for physical activities.

Discomfort due to obstruction

Depending on the location, hernias Can cause intestinal obstructions that lead to discomfort and complications in patients.

Treatment for an epigastric hernia

The specific treatment of epigastric hernia is characterized by being a single treatmentbecause they cannot be reduced on their own. For this reason,a surgical intervention is necessary to remove it.

Note: In many cases it is even necessary to Place Meshes for the total repair of the anomalous outlet.

The surgery focuses on returning the tissues to their original position and later, through the suture, or mesh insertion, preventing it from reappearing.

Key Findings

• The epigastric hernia is formed through the tension of muscles , especially in the stomach area and the congenital characteristic of weakness in the tissues.
• It usually occurs in the area above the navel.
• The existing treatment for this hernia is surgical intervention,that is, surgery. If it is detected in infants, in many cases, as long as there are no complications, surgery is sought to be postponed as long as possible.
• There is always a small chance that it will come back after surgery.