Epigastric Hernia Repair (adult) | HMT Sancta Maria Hospital

Epigastric Hernia Repair (adult)

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> Epigastric Hernia Repair (adult)

What is an epigastric hernia?

An epigastric hernia is a lump in the midline between your umbilicus (belly button) and sternum (breastbone) which can cause pain.

Your abdominal cavity contains your intestines and other structures. These are protected by your abdominal wall, which is made up of four layers.

In an epigastric hernia, fat pushes out through a weakness in the wall of your abdomen between your umbilicus and sternum and forms a lump. The most common symptom is pain caused by the fat being pinched by your abdominal wall.

What are the benefits of surgery?

Surgery can help to relieve pain that is caused by the hernia.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

The hernia can be left alone but pain caused by the hernia will usually continue and complications can happen. The hernia will not get better without surgery.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic but various anaesthetic techniques are possible.

The operation usually takes about 30 minutes. Your surgeon will make a cut over the hernia and free up the ‘hernial sac’.

If only fat is pushing through, your surgeon will either remove the fat or push it back. If contents of your abdomen are also pushing through, they will place the contents back inside your abdomen.

Your surgeon will remove the hernial sac and close the weak spot with strong stitches or a synthetic mesh.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day.

You should be able to return to work after 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how much surgery you need and your type of work.

Do not lift anything heavy for at least 6 weeks.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Most people make a full recovery and can return to normal activities. The hernia can come back many years later and you may need another operation.

What complications can happen?

Some complications can be serious and can even cause death.

General complications of any operation

Pain
Bleeding
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Unsightly scarring of your skin
Blood clot in your leg
Blood clot in your lung

Specific complications of this operation

Developing a collection of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma) under your wound
Injury to structures within your abdomen

*Our fixed-price packages do not include the cost of your initial consultation or any diagnostic tests done at the time. Prices will be confirmed after your first appointment with a consultant specialist.
All prices given are guide prices. Our treatment packages are bespoke, and therefore our private healthcare prices differ from case to case. We will confirm prices in writing before going ahead with any treatment.

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

An epigastric hernia is a common condition caused by a weakness in your abdominal wall between your umbilicus and sternum. If left untreated, an epigastric hernia can cause serious complications.

What to do next

Talk to us about ways to pay, either insured or self-pay, and find out if you need a referral from your doctor.
If you need one, ask your GP for a referral letter.
Call us to book an appointment with a consultant.

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