Epigastric Hernia Archives

The formation of a small sac or mass that gradually grows and causes pain when standing or exerting oneself physically. The discomfort occurs in the area between the stomach and the navel; this is called an epigastric hernia.

Epigastric hernias are a rare type of abdominal wall hernia associated with a weakness or defect in the midline of the abdominal wall, which allows the protrusion of tissues or organs.

Epigastric hernias occur when fatty tissue or part of the stomach protrudes through this weakened muscular wall. They are relatively uncommon, accounting for only 5% of all abdominal wall hernias.

The causes are usually unknown, but may be related to obesity, strain when moving, coughing, congenital factors, and poor postural muscle development.

Symptoms include a visible lump under the skin above the navel and mild pain or discomfort when pressure is applied to the lump.

If left untreated, epigastric hernias can become blocked and cause nausea and vomiting due to the inability of the contents to pass through the intestine; however, these complications are rare.

Treatment usually involves surgery to reposition the protruding tissue and suture the weakened muscle wall or reinforce it with a mesh piece.