Specialties & Conditions Epigastric Hernia
Epigastric Hernia
Specialty
What Is a Pediatric Epigastric Hernia?
An epigastric hernia is an opening in the abdominal wall between your child’s belly button (navel) and chest. This area is known as the epigastrium. A small amount of fat pushes through the hole, causing a visible lump or bulge.
An epigastric hernia may look unusual, but it’s rarely serious. Small epigastric hernias that don’t cause problems may never need treatment. Your child may need epigastric hernia repair surgery if the hernia is large, painful or the lump affects how your child feels about their body.
Make an Appointment
We offer easy online scheduling for your child's surgical needs.
What Causes Epigastric Hernias in Children?
Epigastric hernias in children are present at birth (a congenital condition). However, you or your child might not notice the hernia bulge until later in childhood. While a baby grows in the womb, something stops connective tissue in the abdomen (fascia) from growing together as it should. This leaves a gap between the unclosed abdominal tissue that allows fat (or, less commonly, a small part of the large intestine) to push through.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Pediatric Epigastric Hernias?
Depending on the size of the epigastric hernia, you may notice a lump or bulge in the upper part of the belly above your child’s belly button. This bump often appears during your child’s first years of life. The bulge is usually more noticeable when your child stands, and it goes away when they sit.
What Are the Complications of Pediatric Epigastric Hernias?
An epigastric hernia may lead to more serious problems that require immediate medical attention. These conditions include:
- Irreducible (incarcerated) epigastric hernia: This condition occurs when abdominal muscles contract, trapping the hernia sac and keeping it from moving back inside your child’s body.
- Strangulated epigastric hernia: This serious condition occurs when blood can’t flow to tissue in a trapped hernia sac. It can lead to tissue damage.
Signs of an Irreducible or Strangulated Epigastric Hernia
Signs of an irreducible or strangulated epigastric hernia in a child include:
- Hernia bulge that’s swollen, red and tender
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe, sharp pain
How Are Epigastric Hernias Diagnosed?
Pediatricians at Lurie Children’s or other locations can diagnose an epigastric hernia based on how your child’s belly looks and feels during a physical exam. In rare instances, a child may need an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan or other imaging test to check for an irreducible or strangulated epigastric hernia.
How Are Pediatric Epigastric Hernias Treated?
Most children with epigastric hernias don’t need treatment. But some epigastric hernias can get large, cause pain or make your child self-conscious about their appearance. In these instances, your child’s doctor may recommend surgery. After surgery, it’s rare for an epigastric hernia to return.
General pediatric surgeons at Lurie Children’s are experts in epigastric hernia repair. Surgery takes place under general anesthesia as your child sleeps. This outpatient procedure takes about one hour. Your child goes home the same day.
During epigastric hernia repair, a pediatric surgeon:
- Makes a tiny incision at the hernia site
- Pushes the abdominal fat back into place or surgically removes it
- Closes the hole in the abdominal tissue using dissolvable stitches
- Uses surgical glue or bandage to close the skin incision
After Pediatric Epigastric Hernia Repair
Most children recover quickly from epigastric hernia surgery with minimal discomfort. Your child’s care team will review wound care and recovery instructions with you before sending your child home.
After surgery, your child may need:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- To rest and limit strenuous activities for a few days
Risks of Pediatric Epigastric Hernia Repair
Epigastric hernia repair is a relatively safe procedure. However, all surgeries pose a small risk of:
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Bruising
- Infection
- Reactions to anesthesia
What Is Lurie Children’s Approach to Caring for Children With Epigastric Hernias?
Lurie Children’s provides expert care for children with epigastric hernias. Your child receives care at the top children’s hospital in Illinois, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
We offer:
- Dedicated surgery clinic: At our Pediatric Surgery Clinic, your child undergoes a comprehensive exam to determine if epigastric hernia repair is the best treatment option. We perform regular checkups, ensuring surgery happens only if needed and at the appropriate time.
- Advanced surgical center: Lurie Children’s is a Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center recognized by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). We were the first pediatric hospital in Illinois to receive this distinction, which reflects our ability to provide the highest level of pediatric surgical care.
- Convenient surgical sites: We have ambulatory surgical locations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, making it easy for your child to get hernia repair surgery close to home.
- Anesthesia tailored for kids: Your child receives surgery under the care of pediatric anesthesiologists who have subspecialty training in caring for pediatric patients. Our doctors ensure your child is safe and comfortable before, during and after surgery.
- Team approach to care: Our doctors partner with your child’s primary care provider, helping to streamline treatment and recovery.
Lurie Children’s Division of General Pediatric Surgery
General pediatric surgeons at Lurie Children’s perform more operations on children than any other pediatric hospital in the Chicago metropolitan area. Our team specializes in advanced surgical approaches that help children return to activities as quickly as possible with minimal pain and scarring. We’re home to Illinois’ first Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center, reflecting our team’s deep pediatric surgical expertise.