Epigastric hernia surgery

[saraclara]

I haven't yet had the results of the ultrasound scan, but it seems very likely that I have an epigastric hernia. The bulge is just a couple of inches below the breastbone.

I know they don't always operate, but from what I've read, it's possible to have the keyhole surgery under local anaesthetic. Has anyone done that?

I'd be interested to hear from anyone who's had the OP either way, either with the NHS or privately (I've got a big trip coming up and I don't want to be refused insurance because I'm on a waiting list).

it won't be a laparoscopic repair under local. Best bet is to get the diagnosis first and see what the surgeon suggests. Epigastric hernias would most usually be done under GA as a minor day case procedure.

How large is it? I have one and they don't usually operate until it's quite big :/
I'm waiting to be seen by Gastro as I have the hernia and chronic gastritis/oesophagitis despite PPis and eating the worlds most boring diet!

I just measured it! The bulge is about 6cm long and 4cm wide. It doesn't bulge out by very much until I strain, cough or have eaten a lot!

I've been on a PPI since I saw the GP to weeks ago, and that's got rid if the low level indigestion pain.

I can cup my hand around mine, it is the size of half an avocado. Mine can be seen thru a tee shirt etc.

it's my 2nd one, apparently last time 15+ years ago I had it repaired via an open repair, this time it will be done via/thru a laparoscopic repair.

The NHS waiting list in Devon is one year. ish !

My hernia happened in Dec 23, saw GP within 48 hours. The scan was in Jan/Feb i.e. 6 weeks ish after GP saw me.

Had phone call about late Spring asking which hospital I would prefer - the major one which is 5 miles away or a local little one about 1.5 miles away - I chose the little one.

End of Aug I had an appointment with the consultant who confirmed what he was going to do. He also explained the waiting list was approx one year, he is calculating it from scan date, I was calculating it from occurrence.

On Monday I received an appointment for anaesthetics assessment - by telephone at the end of Oct.

I will receive a ' sick note ' for 6 weeks and I am not to lift anything heavier than a bag of sugar - I work in a supermarket on checkouts etc.

Hence the 6 weeks rather than 2 weeks if I worked elsewhere and there would not be the likelihood of my lifting a microwave or a 10 ltr bag of cat litter.

Thank you @OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon . Obviously it's early days, but assuming a positive diagnosis, that's helpful information. I live alone, so it would be very easy for me to forget and try to move something or reach for something heavier. And I wouldn't be able to do the occasional childcare for my toddler DGD, I imagine.

Good luck with your OP!