Epigastric Hernia Repair: Recovery & Minimally Invasive Techniques

Epigastric, or umbilical, hernia repair is among the most common procedures performed on children and adults. The procedure addresses a weakness or opening in the stomach muscles around the belly button, which lets the small intestine protrude, according to Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics.

Minimally Invasive Technique

• Most epigastric surgical repairs are done laparoscopically, which means smaller incisions and less trauma to the surgical site, and results in faster recovery than with traditional open-surgical techniques.

Same-day Discharge

• In healthy children and adults, epigastric hernia surgery is an outpatient procedure, so patients are able to go home the same day as the surgery.

Pain and Remedies

• Discomfort around the surgical site is common for one to two weeks post-operation, according to published guidelines; pain medication will be prescribed in case over-the-counter pain killers aren't sufficient. Follow your physician's instructions regarding any activity restrictions while taking pain medication.

Daily Activities

• Follow your physician's instructions for caring for the incision at home. Doctors typically advise patients to wait at least two days before showering, and to avoid straining or stretching the wound, heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least two weeks. Expect to resume light activity within a week after surgery, and more intense activities within two to four weeks post-surgery.

Low Recurrence Risk

• In healthy patients, once full recovery has been achieved, the risk of epigastric hernia recurrence is "very low," according to the National Institutes of Health's MedLine Plus.