Abstract
Epigastric hernias are relatively uncommon in children, and there is a paucity of
literature on their incidence, presenting features, natural history, and surgical
outcomes. A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Articles
describing the incidence, outcome, and interventions for pediatric epigastric hernias,
both open and laparoscopic, were analyzed. Eight relevant articles published between
1975 and 2019 were included in the analysis. Of 81 children, 58% were females, 35%
were symptomatic and 8% were multiple. All hernias contained preperitoneal fat only
and were repaired using standard open surgery or laparoscopic techniques. No recurrences
were recorded. In a personal series of 37 hernias in 36 children of median age 4 years,
there were no recurrences; however, this series included two children with a recurrent
or persistent epigastric hernia after surgery by others. Epigastric hernias in children
are relatively uncommon. They typically contain only preperitoneal fat but more than
a third are symptomatic. Standard open repair can be undertaken with minimal morbidity.
Laparoscopic repair takes longer and provides a marginal cosmetic benefit.
Keywords
abdominal wall hernia - ventral hernia - minimally invasive surgery
