Epigastric hernia repair (child)

Your child should no longer have the hernia. Surgery can help to relieve pain that is caused by the hernia.

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

An epigastric hernia is usually safe to leave alone. However, the hernia can get larger with time especially if your child is overweight or has a cough.

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and 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, they will either remove the fat or push it back. If contents of the abdomen are also pushing through, they will place the contents back inside the abdomen.

Your surgeon will remove the hernial sac, close the weak spot in the muscles with strong stitches and close the skin.

The healthcare team will try to reduce the risk of complications.

Any numbers which relate to risk are from studies of people who have had this operation. Your doctor may be able to tell you if the risk of a complication is higher or lower for your child.

Some complications can be serious and may even cause death.

General complications of any operation

• Bleeding during or after the operation.
• Infection of the surgical site (wound).
• Allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication.
• Inflammation.

Specific complications of this operation

• Developing a collection of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma) under the wound.
• Injury to structures within the abdomen.
• The problem coming back. Your child may need another procedure to fix it.

Consequences of this procedure

• pain
• unsightly scarring of the skin

After the operation your child will be transferred to the recovery area and then to the ward. They should be able to go home the same day.

Children often recover quickly and can be back to normal within a few days. Your doctor will tell you when your child can return to school. This is usually after 5 to 7 days.

Your child can return to normal activities as soon as they feel comfortable. This may take up to 4 weeks. They should not do strenuous exercise during this time.

Most children make a full recovery. However, the hernia can come back.

An epigastric hernia is a common condition caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall between the belly button and sternum. Surgery can help to relieve pain that is caused by the hernia.