This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Hernia (fatty hernia of linea alba)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

A linea alba hernia protrudes anywhere between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus, but usually in the midline between these two structures. About 3-5% of people develop epigastric hernias. They are common between the ages of 20 and 50, and occur more often in men than in women. About 20% of the hernias are multiple and 80% occur just off the midline.

The epigastric hernia commences as a protrusion of extra-peritoneal fat where the linea alba is pierced by a small blood vessel. The swelling enlarges and drags a pouch of peritoneum with it. Frequently, the sac is empty or contains a small portion of greater omentum because the mouth of the hernia is usually small.


Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.