Invisible incarcerated umbilical hernia: A case report

Umbilical hernia usually manifests as a bulging of umbilicus. Invisible incarcerated umbilical hernia has never been reported.

A 53-years-old obese woman admitted to hospital with abdominal pain and vomitus one day after discharged from other hospital, was managed conservatively as an adhesion small bowel obstruction (ASBO) for seven days. There was history of caesarean section 20 years ago. Abdomen was bloated, there was transverse scar wound in hypogastric region and no signs of external abdominal hernia. Plain abdominal x-ray showed dilated small bowel located in the central part of the abdomen. Abdominal CT scan was done to determine the other cause besides adhesion, it showed incarcerated umbilical hernia and gallbladder stone. Herniorrhaphy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy were performed. During surgery, there was a loop of vital small bowel, trapped in the umbilical defect. Mayo method was performed to close the defect.

The other causes of small bowel obstruction should be determined besides adhesion, infectious disease and trauma. Umbilical hernia should be considered in obese women even without bulging in the umbilicus. Abdominal CT scan with oral water-soluble contrast is preferred as diagnostic tool to identify the cause of small bowel obstruction.

Invisible incarcerated umbilical hernia is possible in obese patients. Routine palpation on potential sites of developing hernia and abdominal CT Scan are necessary to be done in obese patients with small bowel obstruction.