Differential Diagnosis (Umbilical Hernia)

Survey of the differential diagnosis of the umbilical hernia. With a precise clinical examination and the knowledge of the classic pathologies a differential diagnostic definition of the present pathology is often possible. Because in epigastric and paraumbilical hernia no spontaneous healing occurs, the definition of a gap is important for the indication for surgery by palpation close to the navel, or of the cranially situated midline, or of a prolapsed piece of preperitoneal fat. In case of clinical suspicion of such a pathology it must be looked for during surgery. On the other hand, a paraumbilical hernia may be combined with an umbilical hernia. Perinatal umbilical pathologies may look like an umbilical hernia, e.g. variations of the navel structure, congenital navel anomalies, and midline skin tumors.