30/04/2026
GENRAL SERGERON
DR VINO VERGHESE KOLADY
WORKING IN NAMC
An epigastric hernia is a type of abdominal wall hernia that occurs in the upper midline of the abdomen—between the belly button (navel) and the lower part of the ribcage (sternum). It develops when fat (and sometimes a small portion of intestine) pushes through a weakness in the abdominal muscles.
What it looks like
Key features
Location: Upper central abdomen (epigastric region)
Size: Often small, but can vary
Contents: Usually fatty tissue; rarely intestine
Appearance: A small lump or swelling, more noticeable when standing, coughing, or straining
Common symptoms
A visible or palpable lump in the upper abdomen
Mild to moderate discomfort or pain, especially when bending, lifting, or coughing
Tenderness over the swelling
Sometimes no symptoms at all (found incidentally)
Causes and risk factors
Weakness in the abdominal wall present from birth
Increased pressure inside the abdomen (e.g., heavy lifting, obesity, chronic coughing, pregnancy)
Straining during bowel movements
Is it dangerous?
Most epigastric hernias are not immediately dangerous, but complications can occur:
Incarceration: The tissue gets stuck
Strangulation: Blood supply is cut off (rare but serious—requires urgent surgery)
Treatment
Small, asymptomatic hernias: May just be monitored
Symptomatic or enlarging hernias: Usually treated with surgical repair
Open or laparoscopic surgery
Sometimes mesh is used to strengthen the area
When to seek medical care
Sudden severe pain
Redness or tenderness over the lump
Nausea, vomiting, or inability to push the hernia back in
