Umbilical hernia rupture with evisceration of omentum from massive ascites: a case report

The anterior abdominal wall has multiple areas of potential weakness (deep and superficial inguinal rings, Hesselbach's triangle, the femoral ring and so on) which, when exposed to acute or chronically elevated intra-abdominal pressure, are prone to weaken and allow the formation of various hernias [1]. The umbilicus is one of these areas of potential weakness as it interrupts the continuity of the linea alba [1].

Intra-abdominal pressure varies in both an acute and a chronic manner. During normal physiology acute variations in intra-abdominal pressure mainly follow changes in body position and patient activities [2‐4]. In health subjects, causes of chronic increases in intra-abdominal pressure include obesity, visceromegaly and pregnancy [5, 6]. Intra-abdominal pressure is also chronically elevated in various disease processes including ascites, large cysts and large neoplastic formations [7‐9] which increase the likelihood of hernias.

An 81-year-old Caucasian man, with a background history of alcoholic liver disease, presented acutely via our emergency department, with an erythematous umbilical hernia and clear, yellow discharge from the umbilicus. Clinical examination showed signs of decompensated liver disease, including asterixis, spider naevi, a distended abdomen with shifting dullness, fluid thrill and an erythematous umbilical hernia. On straining for stool, after initial clinical assessment, our patient noted a gush of fluid and evisceration of omentum from the umbilical hernia (Figures 1 and 2).

An urgent laparotomy was performed, using povidone-iodine solution for skin preparation via a midline incision, with excision of the umbilicus and devitalized omentum. Of note, there was evidence of recanalization of the umbilical vein. A full examination of the abdominal viscera was performed, and samples of ascitic fluid sent for cytological, biochemical and microbiological analysis. The liver was noted to be nodular, shrunken and sclerotic with generalized fibrinous exudate lining the coelomic cavity. His post-operative α-fetoprotein was 798 IU/mL. The abdominal fascial edges were re-apposed with interrupted 1/0 polypropylene sutures, with clips to the skin. The ascitic fluid serum-ascites albumin gradient was >1.1 g/dL, and showed increased ascitic protein level (>2.5 g/dl). Cytology was negative for malignant cells.

The incidence of hernias is increased in patients with alcoholic liver disease with ascites [10]. The first reported case of spontaneous rupture of an umbilical hernia from ascites was reported by Mixter in 1901 [11]. The precipitating factors for rupture described include local trauma and a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, vomiting or esophagoscopy. To the best of our knowledge, straining for stool has not yet been reported in the literature as a cause of acute rupture of an umbilical hernia. All of the above precipitants are known to cause acute variations in the intra-abdominal pressure [3, 4]. In the presence of chronic elevation of intra-abdominal pressure, such as occurs with ascites, these activities and patient positions cause an additional increase in intra-abdominal pressure which can overwhelm the strength of the anterior abdominal wall layers [12]. The presence of discolouration, ulceration or a rapid increase in size of the umbilical hernia signals impending rupture [13].

Current thinking suggests that there is a dynamic adaptive change which takes place in all organisms in response to a chronically elevated intra-abdominal pressure, principally as adaptations to the constitutional properties of the abdominal cavity. This occurs in order to maintain normal functioning [7, 14‐16]. These adaptations are mainly in the form of changes in muscular structures. There have been several animal studies showing that muscular components of the abdominal cavity, as well as the diaphragm, adapt when subjected to conditions of increasing intra-abdominal pressure [7, 17]. However, it is likely that in more acute or sub-acute changes of intra-abdominal pressure, such as a sudden increase in ascites combined with straining for stool as in this case report, it may overcome the elasticity of the abdominal wall and lead to hernias or worse hernia rupture.

There has been considerable debate in the literature as to the timing of umbilical hernia repair in patients with alcoholic liver disease and ascites. Older studies, in particular by Baron [18], described poor outcomes in elective repair with mortality rates of up to 38%. Some of the poor outcome was thought to involve a disruption of portal venous flow around the umbilicus, causing increased portal pressure which may lead to variceal bleeding. Other studies [19, 20] have shown improved outcomes in the elective setting but require intensive pre-operative optimization. Some experts [21] would operate in the elective setting for Child's A cirrhosis and when complications of umbilical hernias develop an urgent repair is indicated. Current literature suggests that control of ascites post-operatively is critical to prevent recurrence [22]. There are several possible techniques such as trans-jugular intra-hepatic portosystemic stent-shunts, peritoneovenous shunt or percutaneous peritoneal drainage catheters, however there is insufficient evidence to propose one over any other [21]. The same is true for choosing between the use of mesh, primary closure, and even fibrin glue, all of which have been used in various studies. The use of fibrin glue is currently restricted to patients declared unfit/unwilling to undergo operative repair [23]. A recent expert consensus study suggested a decrease in the suitability of mesh repair as the Child's score increases [21].

Ultimately, more evidence is required, and cases should be considered individually, to determine the most effective timing of umbilical hernia repair.

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal.