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A literature review of spontaneous evisceration in paediatric umbilical hernias

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Abstract

Umbilical hernias occur frequently in children but complications are very rare and thus surgery is not routinely indicated. In this literature review, we report 19 cases of spontaneous evisceration of abdominal contents through umbilical hernias. Precipitating causes included umbilical ulceration or sepsis, crying, respiratory infection, intussusception and ascites. Management involved resuscitation and surgical repair. Mortality is low. As the incidence of spontaneous rupture is very low, the current management of an umbilical hernia remains appropriate. However, we encourage physicians to be aware of the potential risk factors for spontaneous rupture and in these patients expedite surgical repair.

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Conflict of Interest

 The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

    Wendy L. Thomson, Richard J. Wood & Alastair J. W. Millar

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  1. Wendy L. Thomson
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  2. Richard J. Wood
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  3. Alastair J. W. Millar
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Correspondence to Richard J. Wood.

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Thomson, W.L., Wood, R.J. & Millar, A.J.W. A literature review of spontaneous evisceration in paediatric umbilical hernias. Pediatr Surg Int 28, 467–470 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-012-3076-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-012-3076-8

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