Epigastric hernia: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment
Epigastric hernia is characterized by a kind of hole, which is formed due to the weakening of the abdominal wall muscle, above the navel, allowing tissues to come out outside this opening, such as fatty tissue or even part of the intestine, forming a lump that becomes visible outside the belly.
- As a general rule.
- Epigastric hernia does not cause any other symptoms.
- However.
- In some cases you may experience pain or discomfort in the area.
- Such as when a person coughs or lifts weights.
- For example.
Treatment involves surgery in which tissues are reintroduced into the abdominal cavity. In addition, a lattice may also be placed to strengthen the abdominal wall.
Epigastric hernia is caused by a weakening of the muscles of the abdominal wall. Some of the factors that can contribute to the weakening of these muscles are overweight, the practice of certain types of sports, heavy work or important efforts, for example.
In most cases, the epigastric hernia is asymptomatic, with only swelling in the area above the navel. However, in some cases, pain and discomfort may occur in the area, such as coughing or lifting weights.
Also, if the hernia increases in size, the intestine may go out of the abdominal wall. As a result, there may be blockage or strangulation of the intestine, which generates symptoms such as constipation, vomiting and diarrhea, and in these cases surgery is needed to remedy it.
Know how to differentiate between epigastric hernia and umbilical hernia.
In most cases, epigastric hernia should be treated when symptomatic, to avoid complications.
Surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, when it is small, or general and involves the reintroduction and replacement of outgoing tissues into the abdominal cavity. Your doctor then stitches the opening and can also place a mesh in the area, during a high-volume hernia, to strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent the hernia from re-forming.
Recovery after surgery is usually quick and successful, and the person is discharged one or two days later. During the recovery period, the person should avoid striving and intense activities. Your doctor may also prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve postoperative pain.
Surgery is usually well tolerated and only causes mild pain and bruising in the incision area. However, although rare, an infection can occur in the region and, in about 1 to 5% of cases, a hernia may recur.