Hernia in the upper abdomen
(epigastric hernia)
An epigastric hernia presents itself in the midline or just beside it, between the umbilicus and the lower part of the sternal bone. The content of the hernia is practically always fatty tissue.
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An incision is made at the protruding hernia and the hernia is freed from the tissues around it until the abdominal muscle layer with the small defect is reached (1,2). The fatty tissue is removed (3).
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After the removal of the fatty tissue the small defect is clearly seen (4). It is closed with sutures if small, or with the aid of a prosthesis if the defect is larger (5). The skin is closed with resorbable sutures. The little rim will disappear by the time the sutures have resolved. Little plasters are used that act as a suture. Showering is permitted. Resuming activities is allowed, guided by the complaints of the patient.