Post epigastric hernia repair. I have a swelling on my lower abdomen that is painful, is this normal? (photo)

Question

I had an epigastric hernia repair under a local anaesthetic that didn't work due to me having Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Since the surgery not only have I acquired a large/medium hematoma below and above the incision site I have a very large bulge to the lower right of my abdomen which keeps flaring up causing me pain. Is this normal? I'm yet to go back to the Drs due to my inability to drive yet. Many thanks

Brian Citro, MD · Answer

Thanks for the photo. Having Ehlers Danlos should not be a problem for repairing your hernia. It simply means that mesh will be required and a little extra care and attention to detail. I don't know how long ago your hernia was repaired but epigastric hernia repairs are notorious for seromas. A seroma is simply body fluid that fills the space that was once occupied by the herniated tissues. It can take weeks or even months for the fluid to reabsorb and the space to contract so that it looks normal. A hematoma is a collection of blood and this can happen as well. But the blood will occupy the same space as the seroma and will also go away over time. In some cases, especially with obese people, the fluid can stay around for a long time and may require drainage.
The bulge on the right looks like an inguinal hernia to me. Given that you have Ehlers Danlos, you are at high risk for this and your history certainly suggests an inguinal hernia.
Best of luck.

Michael F. Sedrak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

lower abdomen bulge after epigastric hernia repair sounds like two separate things on one hand, but at the same time, having ehlers danlos syndrome might be a reason that you are predisposed to hernias, which is what the picture looks like, an inguinal hernia; in other words, separate problem from the epigastric hernia and repair, but related in that you are possibly predisposed to hernias

Post epigastric hernia repair. I have a swelling on my lower abdomen that is painful, is this normal? (photo)

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Post epigastric hernia repair. I have a swelling on my lower abdomen that is painful, is this normal? (photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Umbilical Hernia Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.