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Procedure Name

Open Epigastric Hernia Repair
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Full Recovery

4 to 6 weeks
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Type of Anaesthesia

Local Anesthesia or General Anesthesia
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Duration of Surgery

30 minutes to 1 hour
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Hospital Stay

Nil/ 1 to 2 days
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Surgery Type

Open

How Are Epigastric Hernias Treated?

Epigastric hernias require treatment if they are causing you significant pain and discomfort. Surgery is the only way to fix epigastric hernias. Depending on your health and hernia conditions, your surgeon will recommend either of these surgeries.

  • Open epigastric hernia repair: This open surgery is done under general or local anesthesia. It involves the surgeon making a large incision over the hernia and then pushing the contents back inside. The weak abdominal walls are sutured together, and a synthetic mesh is placed for additional support.
  • Laparoscopic epigastric hernia repair: This is a minimally invasive surgery done under local anesthesia. The surgery involves making a few small incisions around the hernia. The surgeon then inserts a laparoscope fitted with a camera through one of the incisions. Guided by the images from the camera, the surgeon finishes the repair work.

Why Choose Medfin?

Open epigastric hernia repair surgery is mostly performed on an outpatient basis. You can go home the same day. Here are some of the pre-operative preparations.

  • Your surgeon will first conduct a thorough physical examination of the hernia. 
  • A detailed medical history will be taken, where you must mention all the health conditions you suffer from, the medications you are currently taking, and allergies to medicines (if any).
  • Routine tests like blood work, X-ray, and ECG (electrocardiogram) will be conducted.
  • An ultrasound scan of the upper abdomen will be done to visualize the hernia better. This is a test that makes use of high-frequency sound waves to get images of the inside of the abdomen.
  • Your surgeon will explain the procedure, outcomes, and possible complications, and you will be asked to sign an informed consent form to proceed with the surgery.
  • You will be asked to stop medicines like blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medicines, dietary supplements, and vitamin E several days to a week before surgery as they may interfere with healing.
  • On the day of surgery, you will be asked to be on fasting for a minimum of 12 hours before surgery.
  • You will be asked to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.

Difference between an Open And Laparoscopic Epigastric Hernia Repair

An epigastric hernia can be repaired laparoscopically or by the traditional open method. While both methods perform the same task of pushing back the contents and closing the opening, there are differences in how these methods approach the repair. 

Open Epigastric Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic Epigastric Hernia Repair

This method involves cutting open the abdomen with a single large incision over the hernia.

This method involves making several tiny incisions around the hernia.

The hernia is manually accessed by cutting through the layers of the abdominal wall.

The hernia is accessed by using a laparoscope through one of the incisions

This procedure is ideal for small hernias where the peritoneal sac is not visible.

This procedure is ideal for large hernias where the peritoneal sac is visible.

This surgery is done under local or general anesthesia, requiring about 6 to 8  weeks to heal completely.

This surgery is done under general anesthesia, and the recovery is faster than the open repair.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risks Associated With An Open Epigastric Hernia Repair

Any surgery, no matter how small, comes with some possibilities of complications. An experienced and skilled surgeon can avoid these complications. An open epigastric hernia repair comes with the risk of complications-

  • A general reaction to anesthesia, like nausea and vomiting, etc.
  • Bleeding at the incision site.
  • Wound infection 
  • Infection due to the placed mesh
  • Development of a hematoma (collection of blood) or seroma (collection of fluid) under the wound
  • Development of clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
  • Migration of the clot to the lungs or heart (embolism) causing cardiac or respiratory arrest.
  • Injury to nearby organs, blood vessels, nerves, and the intestines during the surgery by surgical instruments.
  • Inability to pass urine after the surgery

What To Expect After Open Epigastric Hernia Repair?

Once the surgery is completed, you will be shifted to a recovery room where your vitals (heart rate, pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature), will be monitored for an hour or two. Once all these parameters are stable, you will be encouraged to stand and walk with the nurse's assistance.
You can go home the same day or in some cases, you may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two. You will be given detailed instructions on the post-operative care you must take at home.. 
Once you reach home, you will experience pain and soreness in the operated area for a few days. You will be prescribed pain medication by your surgeon for relief.
You will be made to ambulate in the hospital after a day. At home, you will be advised to walk around the house, climb stairs, and perform your daily routine activities. You can resume your job after 1 to 2 weeks of surgery. You should avoid strenuous exercises, lifting heavy objects, and bending backward and forwards, etc.. Complete recovery takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Here are some tips for faster recovery:

  • Take adequate rest. You may be able to move about the house the next day, but you will feel exhausted very quickly. Hence, taking things slow is advisable.
  • Eat well. You can eat your normal meals as there are no specific dietary restrictions. Remember to stay away from unhealthy, oily food and food that is loaded with salt and spices. A diet rich in nutrients is the best way to recover quickly.
  • Do not over-exert your body. Avoid strenuous exercises and physical activities for 6 weeks after surgery.
  • Keep your wound clean and dry always, especially after a shower. Follow all the instructions on wound care given to you during discharge.
  • Avoid activities that strain the abdominal muscles, like pushing, pulling, and bending. 
  • Use your hands to support the operation site while coughing or sneezing.

How Is An Open Epigastric Hernia Repair Performed?

Epigastric hernias cannot be cured medically, and surgical intervention is required r. Open surgery for an epigastric hernia is effective when the hernia is small, and the peritoneal sac is not visible.
The surgery involves the following steps-

  • A local or general anesthesia, as discussed previously with your surgeon, is administered.
  • The surgeon makes a large incision over the palpable mass. He cuts through the different layers of the abdominal wall till he reaches the hernia.
  • The contents of the hernia are isolated and pushed back into the abdominal cavity.
  • The abdominal wall is closed with sutures.
  • A mesh may be placed as an additional support for the abdominal wall.
  • The incision is closed with sutures.

How To Prepare For An Open Epigastric Hernia Repair?

Open epigastric hernia repair surgery is mostly performed on an outpatient basis. You can go home the same day. Here are some of the pre-operative preparations.

  • Your surgeon will first conduct a thorough physical examination of the hernia. 
  • A detailed medical history will be taken, where you must mention all the health conditions you suffer from, the medications you are currently taking, and allergies to medicines (if any).
  • Routine tests like blood work, X-ray, and ECG (electrocardiogram) will be conducted.
  • An ultrasound scan of the upper abdomen will be done to visualize the hernia better. This is a test that makes use of high-frequency sound waves to get images of the inside of the abdomen.
  • Your surgeon will explain the procedure, outcomes, and possible complications, and you will be asked to sign an informed consent form to proceed with the surgery.
  • You will be asked to stop medicines like blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medicines, dietary supplements, and vitamin E several days to a week before surgery as they may interfere with healing.
  • On the day of surgery, you will be asked to be on fasting for a minimum of 12 hours before surgery.
  • You will be asked to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.

What Are Epigastric Hernias?

Epigastric hernias occur in the midline of the epigastric region of your abdomen due to the weakening of the abdominal wall in the epigastrium region. The epigastric region stretches from the breastbone to the belly button. This area becomes weak due to the progressive tension created by the stress and strain of everyday activities. The contents of the abdominal cavity bulge out through this weakened area. These hernias can also occur due to improper closing of the midline during embryonic development.

Apart from a visible bulge, epigastric hernias are generally harmless. They become symptomatic when they increase in size. The signs and symptoms of an epigastric hernia are as follows-

  • A palpable bulge in the upper abdomen. The bulge is felt prominently when you cough or sneeze.
  • Discomfort and pain around the bulge, especially after eating.
  • Tenderness, pain, redness, and a high fever (indicative of a strangulated hernia). An epigastric hernia is said to be strangulated when tissue/organ becomes entrapped inside the hernia blocking the blood supply to that organ.

Overview

A hernia is a condition where the contents of your abdomen push out through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. When these contents push out through the midline of the epigastric region, it is known as Epigastric Hernia. The epigastrium is the region from your sternum ( breastbone) to your belly button. Epigastric hernias do not require any treatment if they are small and asymptomatic. However, they must be surgically removed if they are large enough to cause symptoms.
Epigastric hernia repair surgery can be done in the traditional open method, where the abdominal wall is cut open with a large incision to access the hernia, or it can be done laparoscopically with the help of a few small incisions.

The power of Medfin in patient’s words

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“ Got to know about them from my friend. They got an appointment for only 299. Once the doctor confirmed that I needed the surgery they got me a fixed cost which included ALL the costs. No extra amounts were charged. Thank you Medfin”

Suresh Menon Hyderabad 8 days ago
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“ After my consultation with the doctor, MEDFIN representative got me a fixed package cost that included my mothers initial tests, surgery cost. They also gave me stockings free for Rs. 3000 post the surgery. They kept up their promise they made”

Radhika Iyer Mumbai 8 days ago
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“ Thank you Medfin. They ensured the whole process from selecting a very experienced doctor to offering the latest procedure at a very reasonable price. They also arranged a follow up post my surgery with the doctor to ensure my recovery was on track. Thank you for being there throughout”

Deepa Shree Bangalore 8 days ago
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