Epigastric Hernia Symptoms
An epigastric hernia occurs when tissue pokes through the lining of the abdominal cavity and develops into a lump or bulge.
This type of hernia can form in the area between the navel and chest.
Our team repairs
698hernias a year.
Symptoms
- A bulge in the abdomen
- Pain when straining, lifting, or coughing
- Redness and tenderness may be signs of a strangulated hernia
Strangulated Hernia
If intestine gets trapped outside the muscle, it can cut off blood supply to the area, resulting in death of the trapped tissue.
Causes
Epigastric hernias are often congenital but may enlarge and become symptomatic from pregnancy, lifting heavy objects, or straining during a bowel movement.
Surgical Treatment
Symptomatic hernia should be repaired to prevent complications of strangulation. Your surgeon will treat the hernia with either open surgery or laparoscopically. Depending on the size of the muscle defect (where the tissue poked through), sutures or mesh will be used to close up or cover the area. Our surgeons will determine the approach that is best for your situation.