An epigastric hernia is a type of

hernia A hernia (: hernias or herniae, from Latin, meaning 'rupture') is the abnormal exit of tissue or an organ (anatomy), organ, such as the bowel, through the wall of the cavity in which it normally resides. The term is also used for the normal Devel ...

that causes fat to push through a weakened area in the walls of the abdomen. It may develop in the

epigastrium In anatomy, the epigastrium (or epigastric region) is the upper central region of the abdomen. It is located between the costal margins and the subcostal plane. Pain may be referred to the epigastrium from damage to structures derived from the for ...

(upper, central part of the

abdomen The abdomen (colloquially called the gut, belly, tummy, midriff, tucky, or stomach) is the front part of the torso between the thorax (chest) and pelvis in humans and in other vertebrates. The area occupied by the abdomen is called the abdominal ...

). Epigastric hernias are more common in adults and usually appear above the umbilical region of the abdomen. It is a common condition that is usually asymptomatic although sometimes their unusual clinical presentation can present a diagnostic dilemma for the clinician. Unlike the benign

diastasis recti Diastasis recti, or rectus abdominis diastasis, is an increased gap between the right and left rectus abdominis muscles. The increased distance between the muscles is created by the stretching of the linea alba, a connective collagen sheath c ...

, epigastric hernia may trap fat and other tissues inside the opening of the hernia, causing pain and tissue damage. It is usually present at birth and may appear and disappear only when the patient is doing an activity that creates abdominal pressure, pushing to have bowel movements, or crying.

Symptoms

* Pain * tenderness *redness *Impulse on cough

Causes

Obesity Obesity is a medical condition, considered by multiple organizations to be a disease, in which excess Adipose tissue, body fat has accumulated to such an extent that it can potentially have negative effects on health. People are classifi ...

Pregnancy Pregnancy is the time during which one or more offspring gestation, gestates inside a woman's uterus. A multiple birth, multiple pregnancy involves more than one offspring, such as with twins. Conception (biology), Conception usually occurs ...

. * Frequent heavy lifting * Genetic defects * Aging * Severe vomiting

Diagnosis

Computed tomography scans of the suspected areas with intravenous contrast can assist in diagnosis. Doctors are also able to identify whether it is a suspected hernia by palpating the affected area. Ultrasonography is also used for diagnostic purposes.

Treatment

Symptomatic epigastric hernias are repaired with surgery. Even if they are asymptomatic, they can be surgically corrected for cosmetic reasons. In general, cosmetic surgery on infants is delayed until the infant is older and better able to tolerate

anesthesia Anesthesia (American English) or anaesthesia (British English) is a state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness that is induced for medical or veterinary purposes. It may include some or all of analgesia (relief from or prev ...

. If the size of the hernia is greater than 4 cm, then a hernioplasty or herniorrhaphy surgery is required.

Prognosis

Epigastric hernia becomes a problem when the hernia becomes incarcerated or loses blood supply to that area. This can be life-threatening.

References