A Case of Recurrent Umbilical Hernia Rupture with Intractable Ascites due to Liver Cirrhosis

Abstract

Adult umbilical hernia rupture is a rare condition in Japan, typically induced by increased intra-abdominal pressure, such as that caused by ascites. The case of a 73-year-old woman with cirrhosis who underwent umbilical hernia surgery in 2019 at a local clinic is presented. In 2020, she noticed a bulge around the umbilicus but chose to leave it untreated. In 2022, she experienced a rupture accompanied by a distinct sound and leakage of ascitic fluid, with exposed bowel from the hernia, leading to emergency transport to the hospital. The patient underwent urgent umbilical hernia repair under general anesthesia. Postoperative blood cultures showed methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), which was successfully treated with antibiotics. The patient had no recurrence of the umbilical hernia during the two years following surgery, though she eventually died due to exacerbated liver failure.