Case Report of Umbilical Hernia Rupture Due to Ascites
Author Information
Author(s): Good Daniel W, Royds Jonathan E, Smith Myles J, Neary Paul C, Eguare Emmanuel
Primary Institution: Minimally Invasive Surgical Unit, Division of Colorectal Surgery, AMNCH, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland
Hypothesis
Can straining for stool cause a ruptured umbilical hernia in patients with ascites?
Conclusion
Straining for stool can lead to the rupture of an umbilical hernia in patients with chronic ascites.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had a history of alcoholic liver disease and presented with an erythematous umbilical hernia.
- Straining for stool led to evisceration of omentum from the hernia.
- Chronic ascites can increase intra-abdominal pressure, making hernias more likely to rupture.
Takeaway
An 81-year-old man with liver disease had his belly button hernia burst when he was trying to poop, which is something doctors didn't know could happen before.
Methodology
The patient underwent an urgent laparotomy with excision of the umbilicus and devitalized omentum.
Limitations
This is a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
81-year-old Caucasian man with a history of alcoholic liver disease.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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