DETECTING THE DIAGNOSIS AND PREVALENCE OF ASYMPTOMATIC UMBILICAL HERNIAS WITH ROUTINE ABDOMINAL MULTIDETECTOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Abstract

Umbilical hernias are part of abdominal wall hernias. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is an accurate radiologic imaging technique for detecting asymptomatic umbilical hernias. The goal of this study to detect the prevelance of asymptomatic umbilical hernias with routine abdominal CT. Materials and Methods: We examined all patients who underwent abdomen MDCT scan at Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University from 01.01.2020 to 01.03.2020 retrospectively. We excluded patients with known abdominal wall surgery or trauma and symptomatic umbilical hernias. Age, gender and diameter of fasia defect were noted. Results: MDCT images of 1833 patients were examined. Umbilical hernia was detected in 95 patients (5.1%). 70 of 95 patients were asymptomatic (Ages;22-85(mean 55.3); 29M, 41F). Asymptomatic umbilical hernia was found in 3.8% of 1833 patients and 73.6% of umbilical hernias. Diameter of fasia defect was between 4-16 mm(mean 9.1). Hernia sac was containing only intraabdominal fat tissue in 59 patients and both bowel segments and fat tissue in 11 patients. There was no incarceration in herniated bowel segments. None of the patients had evidence of ileus. Conclusion: Abdominal hernias are common problematic disorders for both clinicians and radiologists. Umbilical hernias are occured as protrution of peritoneal sac through the defect or weakness of abdominal wall muscle layers. It may occur congenital or acquired. Acquired umbilical hernias are seen in adults, don’t disappear spontaneously and have high risk for incarceration. They are seen ten times more frequent in females. Pregnancy, ascites, obesity, liver failure are risk factors. Some of the umbilical hernias are asymptomatic. In our study we found high ratio as 73.6%. It is important to diagnose the umbilical hernias before they become symptomatic and cause incarceration. Physical examination is important for diagnosing umbilical hernia. But it is not successful for obese patients or small sacs. MDCT makes the diagnose earlier and prevents complications.