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Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
Discover small epigastric hernia causes, risks, and surgical treatment options for quick recovery.
An epigastric hernia happens when tissue bulges through a weak spot in the belly. This weak spot is between the breastbone and belly button. You might see a lump or bulge above the belly button or below the sternum. Knowing about the risks and how to treat an epigastric hernia is key.
Liv Hospital’s skilled surgeons focus on the patient. They make sure diagnosis is safe and treatment is advanced for small epigastric hernias. By learning about the location and risks, patients can make better choices for their care.
A small epigastric hernia is a hernia that happens between the navel and the breastbone. It’s when fatty tissue or part of the intestine bulges through a weak spot in the belly wall. This is known as an epigastric hernia.
An epigastric hernia happens in the area between the navel and the breastbone. These hernias are often called fatty hernias because they usually have fat, not bowel. The belly wall has layers of muscle and fascia.
A weak spot in this wall lets fatty tissue or intestine bulge out, making a hernia.
Epigastric hernias are not as common as other hernias. They make up a small part of all belly hernias. Here are some key facts about them:
Knowing how common and what epigastric hernias are can help people understand their condition better. It also helps them know what treatment they need.
A small epigastric hernia shows up as a lump or bulge between the breastbone and the belly button. Knowing where and how these hernias look is key to spotting them.
The epigastric region is the space between the breastbone (sternum) and the navel (belly button). It’s a common spot for epigastric hernias. This area is part of the abdominal region, making hernias here stand out because of the thin tissue.
Epigastric hernias appear as a lump below the sternum or a bump above the belly button. These lumps are small and might be more obvious when you cough, strain, or stand up. Sometimes, you can push the lump back into your abdomen.
| Characteristics | Epigastric Hernia | Other Abdominal Hernias |
| Location | Between sternum and navel | Various locations including groin and navel |
| Presentation | Lump or bulge | Lump or bulge, sometimes with different characteristics |
| Common Causes | Congenital or acquired weakness | Weakness in abdominal wall, strain |
While all epigastric hernias are abdominal hernias, not all abdominal hernias are epigastric. The main difference is their location and how they look. Epigastric hernias are found between the sternum and the navel, unlike other hernias like inguinal or umbilical ones.
Knowing these differences helps people spot epigastric hernias. This way, they can get the right medical care and treatment.
Epigastric hernias are often called ‘fatty hernias’ because they mainly have fatty tissue. This is key to understanding these hernias and how to treat them.
A hernia is called “fatty” if it has preperitoneal fat. This fat is between the abdominal muscles and the peritoneum. Fatty hernias happen in the area between the navel and the sternum. The fat in these hernias affects symptoms and treatment.
The main difference between fatty hernias and those with bowel protrusion is their content. Fatty hernias have fat, while bowel hernias have part of the intestine. This difference is important because it changes how severe symptoms are, the risk of complications, and the treatment needed. For example, bowel hernias are more likely to have serious problems like incarceration or strangulation.
It’s important to know what causes epigastric hernias to prevent and catch them early. Most small hernias don’t cause big problems right away. But, they can lead to serious issues. The exact reason for hernias is often a mystery. But, it’s a mix of things that make the abdominal wall weak.
Being born with weak spots in the abdominal wall is a main reason for hernias. Some people are born with these weak spots. They happen when the abdominal wall doesn’t close fully during pregnancy.
Lifestyle and environment also affect hernia risk. Being overweight, smoking, and eating poorly can make the abdominal wall weak. Also, activities that put a lot of pressure on the belly, like heavy lifting, can increase the risk.
Doing activities that put pressure on the belly can lead to hernias. This includes lifting heavy things, bending, or straining during bowel movements. Knowing these risks can help prevent them.
| Risk Factor | Description | Preventive Measure |
| Congenital Weakness | Weakness in the abdominal wall present at birth | Monitoring for symptoms |
| Obesity | Excess body weight putting strain on the abdominal wall | Maintaining a healthy weight |
| Heavy Lifting | Activities that increase abdominal pressure | Lifting correctly, avoiding heavy lifting |
An epigastric hernia can show up as a painless lump or a painful issue. Symptoms often get worse when you do activities that put more pressure on your belly.
Small epigastric hernias are usually painless and show up as a lump or bulge. But, some people might feel pain or discomfort, mainly if the hernia gets stuck or cut off blood flow.
Painful presentations are less common but can mean a serious issue. It’s key to watch for any changes in the hernia and get medical help if pain starts.
A knot or bulge above the belly button might mean an epigastric hernia. While often not serious, it’s important to worry if you see:
If you notice these symptoms, get medical help right away.
Symptoms of an epigastric hernia can change with what you do. For example, lifting heavy things or straining during bowel movements can make the hernia more noticeable or painful.
| Activity | Effect on Symptoms |
| Lifting heavy objects | Increased pain or discomfort |
| Straining during bowel movements | Exacerbated symptoms |
| Coughing or sneezing | Temporary increase in discomfort |
Knowing how activities affect your symptoms can help manage your condition. It also helps figure out when to get medical help.
Epigastric hernias, though small, can cause serious problems if not treated. They happen in the area between the navel and the sternum. Even if they don’t show symptoms at first, there are risks that need attention.
Incarceration happens when the hernia’s contents get stuck and can’t go back inside. This can lead to strangulation, a serious issue where the intestine’s blood supply is cut off. Strangulation is a medical emergency that needs quick action to avoid tissue death and other serious problems.
It’s key to watch epigastric hernias closely because of the risk of incarceration and strangulation. Knowing the signs of trouble, like severe pain, nausea, and vomiting, is important.
Certain symptoms mean an epigastric hernia has turned serious and needs quick medical check-up. These include:
If you see these signs, getting medical help fast is vital to avoid serious issues.
Not treating an epigastric hernia can lead to long-term problems. These include chronic pain, higher risk of incarceration and strangulation, and the hernia getting bigger. Also, an untreated hernia can really affect your quality of life, causing discomfort and worry.
In summary, even though epigastric hernias might seem harmless at first, they can have serious complications like incarceration and strangulation. Knowing the warning signs and understanding the long-term risks are key to managing these hernias well.
If you have a painful knot above your belly button or a bulge under your sternum, it might be an epigastric hernia. Doctors use a mix of clinical checks and imaging studies to find out. This helps them see if you have a hernia and how big it is.
Doctors start by checking your belly with a physical exam. They look for any bulges or odd feelings. They might press on your belly to see how big and sore the hernia is.
At times, doctors might ask for ultrasound or CT scans to be sure. These tests give more details about the hernia. They help doctors figure out the best way to treat it.
| Imaging Study | Use in Epigastric Hernia Diagnosis |
| Ultrasound | Non-invasive, useful for initial assessment |
| CT Scan | Provides detailed images, helpful for complex cases |
Doctors also look at other reasons for bulges under the sternum, like lipomas. A detailed check helps them find the right cause. This ensures they give the right treatment.
Surgery is often needed for epigastric hernias. This is true for hernias that are getting bigger or causing symptoms. The decision to have surgery depends on the hernia’s size, symptoms, and the patient’s health.
Surgery is needed for epigastric hernias that hurt a lot or cause serious problems. Small hernias without symptoms might be watched closely. But, bigger or painful hernias usually need surgery.
There are two main ways to fix epigastric hernias: open and laparoscopic. Open repair uses one big cut to fix the hernia. Laparoscopic repair uses small cuts and a camera to do the job. Laparoscopic surgery usually means less pain and a faster recovery.
During surgery, the surgeon will find the hernia and fix it. They will push back any bulging parts and strengthen the area. This is often done with mesh to prevent future hernias.
Mesh is often used to prevent hernias from coming back. Mesh repair uses a synthetic or biological mesh. Non-mesh repair uses stitches for small hernias. The choice depends on the hernia size, patient health, and the surgeon’s preference.
| Surgical Approach | Description | Recovery Time |
| Open Repair | Single incision over the hernia | Several weeks |
| Laparoscopic Repair | Multiple small incisions | 1-2 weeks |
Recovery from epigastric hernia surgery is usually quick. But, it’s key to stick to a post-op plan for the best results. The recovery time can differ based on the surgery type and personal factors.
The recovery time for epigastric hernia surgery can be a few weeks to a couple of months. Most people can get back to normal in 2-4 weeks. But, they should avoid heavy lifting and hard activities for up to 6 weeks.
The scar’s look can change based on the surgery method. It’s important to take good care of the scar for better healing and to avoid problems.
Tips for Scar Care:
To prevent future hernias, you need to make lifestyle changes and follow post-op care. Keeping a healthy weight, avoiding heavy lifting, and managing chronic coughing or constipation can help a lot.
Key Strategies:
Small epigastric hernias happen in the belly area above the navel. They need quick attention to avoid serious problems. These hernias can hurt a lot and cause big health issues if not treated.
We’ve looked at what epigastric hernias are, why they happen, their symptoms, how to find out if you have one, and how to treat them. It’s important to know the dangers of these hernias. Problems like incarceration and strangulation can be very dangerous.
Surgery is often needed to fix epigastric hernias. There are different ways to do this, like open or laparoscopic repair. Knowing about the risks and how to treat small epigastric hernias helps manage them well.
Knowing the signs of hernias above the navel helps people get help fast. This can prevent serious health problems. Treating epigastric hernias well needs a good understanding of these conditions.
An epigastric hernia is a bulge in the belly area. It happens when fatty tissue or intestine pushes through a weak spot in the stomach wall.
The epigastric region is in the upper middle of the belly. It’s between the navel and the sternum.
Symptoms of a small epigastric hernia can be a lump or bulge. It might be painless or painful. The symptoms can change with movement and strain.
Yes, an epigastric hernia can be dangerous. If it gets trapped or the blood supply is cut off, it’s an emergency.
A fatty hernia is when fatty tissue bulges through a weak spot in the stomach wall.
Doctors usually diagnose an epigastric hernia by feeling the belly. They might also use ultrasound or CT scans to confirm it.
Treatment options include watching it, surgery, or making lifestyle changes. Surgery is often needed to fix the hernia and prevent problems.
Open surgery uses a big cut to reach the hernia. Laparoscopic surgery uses small cuts and a camera. Laparoscopic surgery usually means less pain and quicker recovery.
Recovery from epigastric hernia surgery takes several weeks. Patients should avoid heavy lifting and hard activities during this time.
Yes, an epigastric hernia can come back after surgery. But, following the right surgical techniques and care can lower the risk.
To prevent an epigastric hernia, stay healthy, avoid heavy lifting, and manage chronic coughing or straining during bowel movements.
Huttinger, R. (2023). Spigelian hernia. In StatPearls. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538290/
