Epigastric Hernia Treatment in Turkey
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What is an Epigastric Hernia?
An epigastric hernia is a type of abdominal wall hernia that develops through a weakness or defect in the upper midline of the abdominal wall, between the lower end of the breastbone and the umbilicus. The hernia may contain preperitoneal fat and, less commonly, abdominal organs or bowel when the defect is larger. It may appear as a small bulge that becomes more noticeable when you stand, cough, strain, or exercise. Some epigastric hernias cause no symptoms, while others can lead to pain, tenderness, pressure, or complications such as incarceration or strangulation.
What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?
Timely evaluation helps determine the size and location of the abdominal wall defect, whether the hernia is reducible, and whether symptoms or complications are present. Small, asymptomatic epigastric hernias may be monitored, while painful, enlarging, or functionally troublesome hernias may require elective repair. Sudden severe pain, vomiting, abdominal distension, or a firm hernia that cannot be pushed back may indicate incarceration or strangulation and requires urgent medical assessment.
What are the Common Symptoms of an Epigastric Hernia?
- A visible or palpable lump in the upper middle abdomen
- A bulge that becomes more prominent while standing, coughing, or straining
- Pain or tenderness at the hernia site
- A feeling of pressure or pulling in the upper abdomen
- Discomfort during lifting, exercise, or other physical activity
- Increasing size of the abdominal bulge
- Local sensitivity around the hernia
- Cosmetic concerns related to the abdominal contour
- Nausea or vomiting when complications occur
- Severe abdominal pain or inability to reduce the hernia when incarceration or strangulation develops
Causes and Risk Factors of Epigastric Hernia
Causes
- A congenital or acquired weakness in the upper abdominal wall
- Separation or weakness of the fibres of the linea alba
- Increased intra-abdominal pressure
- Repeated coughing or straining
- Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements
- Heavy physical work or repeated lifting
- Certain abdominal wall structural abnormalities
- Previous abdominal trauma or surgery in selected cases
Risk Factors
- Obesity or increased abdominal pressure
- Chronic cough
- Chronic constipation
- Repeated heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity
- Pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancies
- Conditions associated with increased intra-abdominal pressure
- Connective-tissue disorders or impaired abdominal wall strength
- Previous abdominal surgery or trauma in selected patients
- Increasing age and age-related changes in tissue strength
Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Epigastric Hernia in Turkey
- Current treatment focuses on selecting the appropriate repair based on the hernia's size, symptoms, anatomy, and the patient's overall health. Ultrasound can identify small or uncertain abdominal wall defects, while CT helps in selected complex cases or when detailed preoperative planning is needed. Open repair with preperitoneal mesh is an established approach for many symptomatic epigastric hernias. Consider laparoscopic repair for larger defects or patients at increased risk of wound complications. Robotic-assisted repair may be available at selected centres, but it is not necessary for every patient, and its suitability depends on the clinical situation and the surgeon's expertise. Availability of these options varies between hospitals in Turkey.
Treatment options for Epigastric Hernia
Open Hernia Repair: Open repair involves exposing the abdominal wall defect and closing or reinforcing it, often with mesh depending on defect size and patient factors. For many symptomatic primary epigastric hernias, an open preperitoneal mesh repair is an established approach. Very small defects may sometimes be treated with sutures depending on the clinical situation.
Laparoscopic Repair : Minimally invasive approaches use small incisions and specialised instruments to repair and reinforce the abdominal wall. They may be considered for selected larger defects, multiple defects, recurrent hernias, or patients in whom minimising wound complications is particularly important.
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Emergency Hernia Repair: If the hernia becomes incarcerated or strangulated, emergency surgical treatment may be required. The surgical approach depends on the patient's stability, bowel involvement, defect characteristics, and contamination level.
- Clinical assessment:
- Medical History: Evaluation includes the duration and progression of the abdominal bulge, pain or tenderness, changes with coughing or straining, previous abdominal surgery or trauma, bowel symptoms, physical activity, pregnancy history, and relevant medical conditions.
- Physical Examination: The clinician examines the abdomen while the patient is standing and lying down. The clinician may ask the patient to cough or strain to make the hernia more prominent. The clinician assesses the location, size, tenderness, reducibility, and characteristics of the abdominal wall defect.
- Assessment for Complications: The clinician evaluates for incarceration, strangulation, bowel obstruction, severe tenderness, skin changes, vomiting, abdominal distension, and inability to pass stool or gas.
- Preoperative Assessment: Patients being considered for surgery may undergo assessment of general health, nutritional status, cardiovascular and respiratory fitness, weight, relevant medical conditions, and factors that may influence wound healing or postoperative recovery.
- Imaging Tests:
- Ultrasound: Can help identify small or occult epigastric hernias and may allow dynamic assessment during coughing or straining.
- CT Scan: Provides detailed information about the abdominal wall defect, its contents, surrounding anatomy, and other abdominal conditions and may be useful for complex or uncertain cases.
- MRI: May be used selectively when further soft-tissue or abdominal wall assessment is required or when radiation exposure is undesirable.
- Dynamic Imaging: Ultrasound or MRI performed with Valsalva or other manoeuvres may help detect small or intermittently visible hernias.
MediRehab (a chain of Rehab centres, part of MediGence) provides comprehensive tele-rehabilitation services designed to support Incisional Hernia patients in Turkey. These services include:
- Early Mobilisation: Gentle walking and movement are generally encouraged after hernia repair, as tolerated and per the surgeon's advice.
- Gradual Activity Progression: Patients can usually increase daily activities gradually while avoiding excessive strain during the initial healing period.
- Abdominal Wall Rehabilitation: Selected patients may benefit from physiotherapy focused on posture, breathing, core control, and gradual restoration of abdominal wall function.
- Weight and Lifestyle Management: Maintaining a healthy weight, managing constipation and chronic cough, and avoiding smoking can support abdominal wall health and recovery.
- Postoperative Follow-Up: Follow-up helps assess wound healing, pain, activity progression, abdominal wall function, and possible recurrence. Restrictions on heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be individualised based on the repair and the surgeon's recommendations.
- Medicines cannot close or permanently repair an epigastric hernia. Pain-relieving medicines may temporarily control symptoms when appropriate. Treating conditions that increase abdominal pressure, such as chronic cough or constipation, may reduce symptoms. Weight management and control of associated medical conditions may also improve surgical readiness. Antibiotics treat bacterial infection, not the hernia itself.
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Hospitals for Epigastric Hernia in Turkey
Biruni University Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey
Biruni University Hospital started to serve in 2016. It is a full-fledged multi-specialty healthcare facility, situated in Istanbul, Turkey. The hospital is well-known for its outstanding medical care standards, and it has acquired numerous certificates from international quality organizations. It is a renowned & well-established healthcare facility that provides cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment approaches. They have a team of highly skilled doctors and surgeons on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to deliver the best medical care possible.
The hospital has various medical departments such as Cardiology, Neurology, Urology, Rheumatology, Pediatrics, General Medicine and Surgery, Gastroenterology, etc. Popular treatments conducted at the hospital are Pediatric Neurology, Cardiac Stenting, Balloon Angioplasty, Bypass surgery, plastic surgery procedures like Hair transplant, & Botox injections, and many more. The hospital is known for its most valuable service i.e. service to human health. Hospital management & professionals define their service concept with the significance attached to the belief. The management is concerned with both medical statistics and, above all, the satisfaction of the patients. Patients from other countries are well looked after. The hospital offers international patients a relaxing and secure environment in terms of psychology, comfort, and health.
The hospital's primary purpose is to provide world-class patient-centered health care through our highly responsible team who can produce information and use it appropriately. With its university-based scientific infrastructure and competent health care, the hospital's management has long-term plans for it, with a desire to be an innovative and leading health institution that is regarded as a reference in the country and around the world. Several value-added services and quality policies are available at the facility. To mention a few, the hospital is open to development and technology, continuously measuring and improving, training qualified health professionals, caring about patient and employee satisfaction, and becoming mobilized to bring an environment of reliable diagnosis, treatment, and care to the majority of the society.
Antalya Anadolu Hastanesi
Antalya, Turkey
Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Antalya Anadolu Hastanesi located in Antalya , Turkey has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- A technological powerhouse, it provides 24*7 trauma care.
- 4 suites and 54 luxurious rooms
- 3 exceptional operating theatres
- 3 Intensive Care Units
- Efficient and capable healthcare personnel
- Focus on patient care, reasonable prices
- State of the art diagnostics setup
- Recognised for providing integrated care for complex cases and rare cases
- Latest 1.5 Tesla MR, 64 2 Multi-slice Computed Tomography (CT), coronary angiography, and panendoscope
- Treatments such as angioplasty(PTCA), cryotherapy, IVF, ERCP, peritoneoscopy, facial palsies, and electro shock wave lithotripsy are available
- Widely experienced and well educated healthcare professionals are at the forefront of healthcare delivery at the Antalya Anadolu Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
Medical Park Canakkale Hospital
Canakkale, Turkey
Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Medical Park Canakkale Hospital located in Canakkale, Turkey has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- 32 patient rooms
- 2 Operating rooms
- 75 bed capacity
- 24*7 Emergency Service
- Fully equipped Neonatal Care Unit (6 Incubators)
- In-house Pharmacy
- Luxurious rooms for patients designed in such a way that they will feel like at 5-star hotel
- Nurse-call system in rooms
- Cafeteria/Restaurant
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Why Choose Turkey for Epigastric Hernia Treatment?
- Experienced Hernia Surgeons: Turkey hospitals have surgeons experienced in managing primary ventral and epigastric hernias, including symptomatic, recurrent, and complex cases.
- Advanced Diagnostic Facilities: Many centres provide ultrasound, CT, MRI, and other investigations to assess abdominal wall defects and support treatment planning.
- Minimally Invasive Treatment Options: Depending on the patient's condition, hospitals may offer open, laparoscopic, robotic, and other abdominal wall repair techniques.
- Comprehensive Perioperative Care: Patients can receive coordinated care from surgeons, anesthesiologists, physiotherapists, nutrition specialists, and other healthcare professionals, as needed.
- International Patient Support: Major hospitals in Turkey may provide medical-record review, specialist coordination, treatment scheduling, travel assistance, accommodation support, and postoperative follow-up for international patients.
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Author
Alvina Hasan
Alvina Hasan is a dedicated medical researcher and scientific writer with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences. She holds a B.Pharm from Jamia Hamdard University and an M.Pharm in Quality Assurance from DIPSAR University.
With deep medical expertise and a strong interest in healthcare communication, she focuses on transforming complex clinical and scientific information into clear, engaging, and easy-to-understand narratives. She develops insightful healthcare articles and research-driven content designed to support both medical professionals and patients, helping bridge the gap between advanced medical knowledge and practical understanding.
Readers can explore her published research and articles here:
https://carcinogenesis.com/index.php/JOC/article/view/868
https://carcinogenesis.com/index.php/JOC/article/view/870
View MoreReviewer
Dr. Pradeep Jain
General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
33 Years of Experience
Dr. Pradeep Jain has completed his MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Surgical Gastroenterology/G.I. Surgery, and MCh - Surgical Oncology. He is a GastroIntestinal Surgeon, General Surgeon, Surgical Oncologist, Bariatric Surgeon par excellence with total experience of 36 years of which about 33+ years have been as a specialist View More
Last Reviewed - January 2026