From the Research
Epigastric hernias in children typically do not have a well-defined age of spontaneous resolution, and the decision for surgical intervention should be based on symptoms, size, and individual patient factors, as suggested by the most recent study 1. The natural history of epigastric hernias in children is not well understood, and there is limited evidence on their spontaneous resolution. However, it is known that these hernias can cause symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and swelling, and can increase the risk of complications like incarceration or strangulation.
- The study by 1 found that epigastric hernias primarily affect preschool children with a median age of 39 months, and that the vast majority of patients presented with swelling that was occasionally accompanied by pain.
- The use of ultrasound in diagnosing pediatric epigastric hernia can be beneficial if the diagnosis cannot be made clinically, but it is not always necessary if it does not change the management of the patient's epigastric hernia, as noted in the study by 1.
- Surgical repair, either open or laparoscopic, is a viable option for children with symptomatic epigastric hernias, and the choice of approach should be individualized based on the patient's specific needs and circumstances, as suggested by the studies by 2 and 3.
- Parents should monitor the hernia for any changes in size, color, or if the child experiences pain, as these symptoms would warrant immediate medical attention regardless of age.
- The study by 4 found that epigastric hernias are common in children and frequently present in infancy, and that most are either symptomatic or enlarging, which supports the recommendation for surgical repair in symptomatic cases.