Epigastric hernia

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

An epigastric hernia is a hernia in the epigastric region of a human.

It commonly is found in neonates (babies). Typically there is a small defect of the linea alba between the rectus abdominis muscles. This allows tissue from inside the abdomen to herniate anteriorly.

The appearance is of a 'bubble' under the skin of the baby's belly between the umbilicus and xiphisternum. The 'bubble' can be 'reduced' (pushed back in), and will reappear if the baby coughs or strains.

It can be surgically corrected, although the operation is done almost entirely for cosmetic reasons. In general, any cosmetic operation that is proposed on a baby will be delayed until the baby is older, and better able to tolerate anaesthesia.

Epigastric hernias almost never strangulate. Compare inguinal hernia.