Epigastric Hernia

Epigastric Hernias

Epigastric hernias are also congenital conditions (the children are born with them). These hernias occur as tiny defects in the upper anterior abdominal wall (in the midline, between the umbilicus and the sternum, or breastbone). Often they are noticed because a small piece of intra-abdominal fat becomes trapped, or incarcerated, in the hernia. This incarcerated tissue is palpable as a tiny knot just beneath the skin. While epigastric hernias may be asymptomatic, they are often quite tender, and the child may complain of pain at the site.

We generally recommend that epigastric hernias be repaired when they are diagnosed, as they will not resolve on their own and may cause more problems as time progresses.