Paediatric epigastric hernia surgery
Surgery to repair an infant's epigastric hernia
If your child has an epigastric hernia, HCA UK has the expertise and facilities to help.
What is an epigastric hernia?
Surgery is an effective treatment option to remove a child’s epigastric hernia.
Need to know
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What happens during surgery? icon plus
Your consultant will examine the affected area. If they feel a characteristic lump, they may not need to do any further tests.
Surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic, which means your child will be asleep. It takes between 30 minutes and an hour to repair the hernia. Your consultant will make a cut over the epigastric hernia to free up the ‘hernial sac’. Intestine or other tissue inside the sac will be carefully pushed back into your abdominal cavity. The excess sac may be tied off or removed.The weak spot where the hernia was located will be closed with strong, secure stitches or a patch of synthetic nylon mesh may be used if the hernia was particularly large. A waterproof dressing will be placed over the area.
The procedure will be carried out as day surgery and your child will be able to go home once they’ve recovered. Occasionally, children need to stay in hospital overnight. -
How to prepare icon plus
Your consultant talk you through the procedure and tell you how to prepare your child for surgery. They will take time to talk you through the risks and side effects involved and answer any questions you may have. -
After surgery icon plus
Some bruising, swelling and discomfort in the tummy area is normal after the procedure. Pain relief may be given to help with this in the first 24-48 hours.
Immediately after surgery, they may feel a bit nauseous. They should be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids but may not feel like eating for a day or two.
The stitches will dissolve on their own after about two weeks.
Physical activity is encouraged but your child should avoid ‘rough and tumble’ play.
It is important to avoid constipation and straining when your child goes to the toilet. Eating plenty of fruit and fibre in their diet and drinking lots of fluids should help.
Our paediatric surgery specialists
Our locations
From complex paediatric gastric surgery to diagnostic tests, scans and minor procedures, we provide exceptional paediatric care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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Abdominal Wall and Hernia Unit
Abdominal Wall & Hernia Unit
Chelsea Bridge Road
London SW1W 8RH
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Chiswick Medical Centre
Bond House
347-353 Chiswick High Road
London W4 4HS
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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Platinum Medical Centre
15 - 17 Lodge Road
London
NW8 7JA
Request an appointment with a paediatric specialist
To request an appointment, call our team in the paediatric unit
Call us on
020 3918 6525