Your Notifications
All done, no notifications

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 defect or weakness in the linea alba, the fibrous tissue running along the midline of the abdomen
  • Protrusion of preperitoneal fat through a small defect in the upper abdominal wall
  • A congenital or developmental weakness in the abdominal wall in some patients
  • Enlargement of an existing abdominal wall defect over time

Risk Factors

  • Obesity or increased abdominal pressure
  • Chronic coughing or respiratory conditions
  • Chronic constipation and repeated straining
  • Repeated activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure
  • Connective-tissue disorders or impaired abdominal wall strength
  • Pregnancy, which can increase abdominal pressure
  • Previous abdominal surgery or trauma, which may contribute to a different type of abdominal wall hernia

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Epigastric Hernia in the United Arab Emirates

  • Laparoscopic or other minimally invasive techniques may be considered for larger defects, multiple hernias, or patients at increased risk of wound complications. Some specialist centres offer robot-assisted and advanced extraperitoneal repair techniques, but evidence does not show they are superior for every epigastric hernia. In the United Arab Emirates, access to these procedures depends on the hospital, surgical expertise, and individual treatment needs.

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.

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.

Cost Start From 5500Explore Options

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.
    • 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 considered for surgery may undergo assessment of general health, nutritional status, cardiovascular and respiratory fitness, weight, and relevant medical conditions.
  • 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 may help detect small or intermittently visible hernias.

MediRehab (a chain of Rehab centres, part of MediGence) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services designed to support Incisional Hernia patients in the United Arab Emirates. These Services include:

  • Early Mobilisation: Gentle walking and movement are generally encouraged after hernia repair as tolerated and according to the surgeon's advice.
  • Gradual Activity Progression: Daily activities can usually be increased progressively 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.
  • Medicines cannot close or permanently repair an epigastric hernia. Pain-relieving medicines may be used for temporary symptom control when appropriate. Treatment of conditions that increase abdominal pressure, such as chronic cough or constipation, may help reduce symptoms. Weight management and control of associated medical conditions may also improve surgical readiness. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infection, not the hernia itself.

Instantly Connect with our Specialists

Doctor 1
Doctor 2
Doctor 3
Doctor 4
Doctor 5
Doctor 6
Doctor 7
Doctor 8

Hospitals for Epigastric Hernia in United Arab Emirates

Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman

Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman located in Ajman, United Arab Emirates is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • The hospital has a 250 bed capacity.
  • Excellent quality of healthcare facilities and services at par with developed countries.
  • Multilingual and multinational healthcare professionals working in the Thumbay Hospital Ajman (belonging to 20 nations and fluent in 50 plus languages).
  • Equipped with the newest facilities to ensure highest standards of healthcare delivery to patients at economical costs.
  • Dedicated, compassionate and highly educated healthcare professionals work in Thumbay Hospital Ajman.
  • Well developed diagnostic facilities are also available.
  • A 24/7 functioning emergency care department and advanced facilities in Radiology.
  • There is presence of an ultramodern Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) and Electrosurgery Cryotherapy in dermatology, Interlocking intramedullary nailing.
  • Also available under dental departments Panoramic, digital intra-oral X-rays, Cephalogram are present.
  • Some of the important specialties in Thumbay Hospital Ajman are:
    • Ear, nose, and throat
    • Cardiovascular
    • Bariatric surgery
    • General surgery
    • Urology
    • Nephrology

Message Us

253

PROCEDURE

40

DOCTORS IN 14 SPECIALITIES

13+

FACILITIES & AMENITIES

Our Services to better your experience

Opinion & Option

We submit the most accurate opinion and options from one or more countries for your review

Consult Privately

Consult with a certified specialist privately on our telemedicine platform even before you decide to travel

Logistics

We handle flights, visas, transfers, and accommodation—so you can focus on your health.

Recovery

Our In-house rehabilitation service packages to better your recovery and treatment outcome

Why Choose the United Arab Emirates for Epigastric Hernia Treatment?

  • Access to Hernia Surgeons: Selected UAE hospitals provide consultations and surgical treatment for epigastric and other primary ventral hernias. Patients should verify the surgeon's specific experience with the required procedure.
  • Diagnostic Facilities: Depending on the hospital, investigations may include ultrasound and CT, with MRI available for selected cases requiring additional assessment.
  • Surgical Treatment Options: Some centres offer open and laparoscopic hernia repair, mesh reinforcement, and robot-assisted procedures where clinically appropriate.
  • Coordinated Perioperative Care: Patients may receive coordinated care involving surgeons, anaesthesiologists, nurses, and rehabilitation professionals according to their needs.
  • International Patient Support: Several hospitals may provide medical-record reviews, specialist coordination, appointment scheduling, interpretation, accommodation assistance, and follow-up arrangements. Available services vary by hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery depends on the size of the hernia, repair technique, overall health, and whether the procedure was elective or emergency. Many patients gradually return to routine activities over several weeks, while larger or more complex repairs may require a longer recovery period. Heavy lifting and strenuous activity may need to be restricted temporarily.

Yes. Most people with an uncomplicated epigastric hernia can walk and perform light daily activities. Walking is also generally encouraged after surgical repair as tolerated. However, you may need to limit activities that cause pain or significant abdominal strain.

Many advanced UAE hospitals provide modern diagnostic and surgical facilities, including ultrasound, CT, MRI, laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery, mesh-based repair, and other abdominal wall reconstruction techniques. Available facilities vary between hospitals.

Many major UAE hospitals have international-patient departments that can assist with medical records, specialist consultations, treatment coordination, travel arrangements, accommodation, interpretation, and postoperative follow-up. Services vary between hospitals.

Consider the surgeon's experience with primary ventral and epigastric hernias, access to appropriate abdominal wall imaging, experience with open and minimally invasive repair, availability of emergency surgical care, perioperative facilities, and postoperative follow-up.

There is no single success rate for epigastric hernia treatment because outcomes depend on the size and location of the defect, surgical technique, patient characteristics, recurrence risk, and whether complications are present. Your surgeon can provide more individualised information based on the specific hernia and planned treatment.

Many UAE general and gastrointestinal surgeons routinely treat epigastric and other primary ventral hernias. Patients with large, recurrent, complex, or symptomatic hernias may benefit from choosing a surgeon with specific experience in abdominal wall and hernia surgery.

Potential complications include pain, bleeding, wound infection, seroma (fluid accumulation), recurrence, mesh-related complications when mesh is used, injury to nearby structures, and anaesthesia-related complications. Risks depend on the patient's health, defect size, and the procedure performed.

Seek urgent medical assessment if the hernia becomes suddenly or severely painful, firm, discoloured, or cannot be reduced, especially if you also have vomiting, abdominal distension, fever, or inability to pass stool or gas. These symptoms may indicate incarceration, bowel obstruction, or strangulation. Do not force the bulge back into place.

An epigastric hernia can cause a persistent bulge or change the upper-abdomen contour, but it does not inevitably cause permanent deformity. Appearance and abdominal wall function after repair depend on the defect, healing, and whether recurrence develops.

Yes. Pain, pressure, visible bulging, and difficulty with lifting or exercise can affect daily activities and comfort. Some hernias cause few symptoms, while others become more troublesome over time. A clinician can help determine whether monitoring or repair is appropriate.

An epigastric hernia may remain stable, but it can also enlarge or become more symptomatic. Complications can include incarceration, bowel obstruction, or strangulation, although the risk varies. Medical assessment can help determine whether monitoring or elective repair is appropriate.

Not all epigastric hernias can be prevented because some arise from an underlying weakness in the abdominal wall. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, managing chronic cough and constipation, and using appropriate lifting techniques may help reduce abdominal strain. These measures cannot guarantee prevention.

Epigastric hernias can occur in people of different ages. They develop through a weakness or defect in the linea alba. Factors that increase abdominal pressure or affect connective tissue may contribute, but some people develop an epigastric hernia without an identifiable risk factor.

Author

Alvina Hasan
Alvina Hasan

M.Pharm

2 Year of Experience

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 More

Reviewer

Dr. Pradeep Jain
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