What is a epigastric hernia?

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing!

An epigastric hernia is also commonly called an abdominal hernia.

The abdominal wall wraps around the center of the body. It extends from just below the rib cage to the pelvis. The wall keeps the intestines and other organs in the abdominal cavity. When the wall is weakened it can tear. Intestines or other organs can bulge through the opening. This is called an abdominal hernia. There are several types of abdominal hernias, all named for their location:

Femoral hernias—develop in upper thigh area
Inguinal hernias —develop in the groin area
Abdominal wall defects—happen in the womb when the abdomen does not fully develop
Umbilical hernia—develops near the belly button
Epigastric hernia—develops in the upper abdominal wall (between belly button and chest)
Spigelian hernia—rare and develops toward the side of the abdominal wall
Diaphragmatic hernia —birth defect in the muscle between the chest and abdominal cavities
Hiatal hernia —develops near the upper part of the stomach
Incisional hernia—develops where there is an incision from surgery
Ventral hernias—a type of incisional hernia that develops down the middle of the abdomen

So an epigastric hernia develops in the upper abdominal wall (between belly button and chest).

Hernias are repaired with surgery. During the surgeries the bulging intestine is put back into place. The damaged wall is also repaired. In some cases a piece of mesh is inserted to provide extra support.

Your doctor may suggest laparoscopic surgery . This type of surgery repairs the hernia using a very small incision. The repairs are done using a lighted, thin tube and small surgical instruments.

Please talk to your doctor about your options.

Best,
Susan