This article describes the symptoms of epigastric hernia and who’s at risk.
Your doctor can usually diagnose a hernia with a physical exam and a thorough medical history.
However, they may use an ultrasound or other tests to rule out other conditions.
Verywell / Laura Porter
This can cause the death of the tissue that is bulging through the hernia.
Each of these requires immediate medical attention.
A strangulated hernia can be identified by the deep red or purple color of the bulging tissue.
It may be accompanied by severe pain, but is not always painful.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, andabdominal swellingmay also be present.
Surgery
Epigastric hernia surgery is typically performed usinggeneral anesthesiaand can be done on aninpatientoroutpatientbasis.
This surgery is performed by ageneral surgeon.
If the patient is a child, a surgeon who specializes in pediatrics typically performs the procedure.
This process may begin weeks in advance of your procedure.
They also may adjust medications that you normally take.
A hernia can be repaired via an incision below the hernia, orlaparoscopically/robotically with small incisions.
The surgeon then isolates the portion of the abdominal lining that is pushing through the muscle.
This tissue is called the hernia sac.
The surgeon returns thehernia sacto its proper position, then begins to repair the muscle defect.
If the defect in the muscle is small, it may besuturedclosed.
The sutures will remain in place permanently,preventing the herniafrom returning.
For large defects, the surgeon may feel that suturing is not adequate.
In this case, a mesh graft will be used to cover the hole.
The mesh is permanent and prevents the hernia from returning, even though the defect remains open.
The incision can be closed in one of several ways.
The abdomen will be tender, especially for the first week.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your treatment options and what to expect.
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