Does an Epigastric Hernia need operating on or can you live with it?

Question

My doctor says its ok but I have heard it is a dangerous operation (near the heart) and maybe thats why he is not doing anything about it""any doctors out there what do you think,

Answer 1

It depends on the size of hernia, it's OK if your doctor said so, I personally think you stay in touch with your doctors advise.

Coming to the second part of your question, it's not dangerous operation anymore as once thought.

Answer 2

it can be lived with and the symptoms controlled with good diet (depends on your tolernace, but generally spicy or too sweet foods make the problem worse, or eating less than 2 hours before lying down). Also, if there is damage to the esophageal lining (the inside of the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach) than you should be on life long omeprazole to prevent that lining going serouisly wrong from the constant irritation.
the operation is another option, as a rule of thumb i would think if you feel just occasional heartburn or nothing at all I wouldnt consider it (it is not 100% effective) but as your symptoms increase, it becomes more attractive option. As always, having done some reasearch on the net, why dont you talk to the doctor who diagnosed it?
All the best.

Answer 3

it can be lived with. but you have to be carefull I had one amongst other issues with my stomach. I had surgery lost most of my stomach and bowel. the 8 months later needed radical sugury because of an incisional hernia
depends how much you can pay. most of my surgery cost £34,000 around $67,000 .
you can control your symptoms with a good diet. I know what I would have prefered to do.

Answer 4

A women I know had this surgery, and she feels like a new person. However, it does have its risks and is much more complicated than a regular inguinal hernia.