Peritoneal inclusion cyst presenting as an umbilical hernia: case report and systematic review of the literature.

Peritoneal inclusion cysts (PICs) are a rare and benign condition of uncertain pathogenesis. The fluid-filled, mesothelial-lined cysts manifest within the abdominopelvic cavity. This case report details an unusual occurrence of a 97 mm PIC- presenting as an umbilical hernia- in a 26-year-old male patient with no prior surgical history. Following pre-operative cross-sectional imaging, this was managed through open excision without complication. A systematic review of the literature highlighted 30 previous cases [26F, 4M] with a mean age of 34 years (std ±15.4) and a median diameter of 93 mm [IQR, 109 mm]. A total of 53% (n = 16) of cases had a history of previous abdominal surgery. Surgical excision is safe and laparoscopic modality should be considered (<1% recurrence). Accepting the limited evidence base, image guided drainage should be avoided (50% recurrence, n = 2).

Prolonged Ileus Due to Underlying Shigella Infection After Bilateral Open Inguinal Hernia Repair.

We present a rare case of prolonged ileus caused by underlying Shigella infection after surgical hernia repair. Infectious disease is an uncommon cause of postoperative prolonged ileus in adults. Our 48-year-old male patient underwent bilateral open inguinal hernia repair and open umbilical hernia repair without complication at an academic institution, with same-day discharge. Eight days later, he presented to the emergency department with complaints of severe cramping abdominal pain, nausea, emesis, and watery diarrhea. Physical examination, computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis, and abdominal X-ray were initially concerning for bowel obstruction. The patient was admitted to the general surgery service. Concern for ileus with underlying gastritis arose after a small bowel follow-through showed contrast eventually reaching the rectum. A subsequent gastrointestinal pathogens panel was positive for Shigella. The patient's symptoms resolved after appropriate antibiotic treatment. Shigellosis and other infectious diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis of postoperative prolonged ileus.

Initial experience of a single surgeon for safety and feasibility of the Versius Robotic System in robot-assisted cholecystectomy and hernia repair.

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and perioperative outcomes of cholecystectomy and hernia repair performed with the Versius Robotic System by a surgeon with no prior robotic surgery experience. A retrospective analysis was conducted on adult patients who underwent cholecystectomy, inguinal, or umbilical hernia repair using the Versius Robotic System between August 2021 and June 2023 et al. Zahra Hospital, Dubai, UAE. A total of 105 patients (mean age 38.9 ± 9.2 years) were included. Significant correlations existed between the number of robot-assisted cholecystectomies and the operative metrics. As the number increased, the duration of the total operative (r = - 0.755, p < 0.001), docking (r = - 0.683, p < 0.001), and console (r = - 0.711, p < 0.001) times decreased, indicating improved efficiency with experience. This study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of the Versius Robotic System for cholecystectomy and hernia repair, even for surgeons lacking prior robotic surgery experience.

Enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal repair in a morbidly obese patient with epigastric and umbilical hernias in combination with rectus diastasis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: The use of enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) repair for patients with ventral hernias has become more widespread due to its ability to prevent mesh-and-tacker-related complications by placing the mesh in the retrorectus space. However, the efficacy of eTEP repair in obese patients remains unknown. Herein, we report a case of a morbidly obese patient with epigastric and umbilical hernias in combination with a rectus diastasis repaired using the eTEP technique. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 42-year-old man with a history of spontaneously reduced incarcerated epigastric hernia two weeks previously was referred to our hospital. His body mass index (BMI) was 42.9 kg/m2. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a small epigastric hernia, an umbilical hernia, and a rectus diastasis. We performed eTEP repair. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 3. There has been no evidence of hernia recurrence after a follow-up period of 2 years. DISCUSSION: We consider that the eTEP technique is rarely affected by intra-abdominal fat because endoscopic manipulation is performed in the bilateral retrorectus and preperitoneal spaces. Moreover, the eTEP allows the epigastric artery perforator to be spared. Therefore, eTEP repair is considered the best surgical option for morbidly obese patients with ventral hernias in combination with rectus diastasis. CONCLUSIONS: This case provides support for the efficacy of eTEP repair in morbidly obese patients with epigastric and umbilical hernias in combination with a rectus diastasis.

Successful Repair With Strategic Omentectomy and Meticulous Suturing for Incarcerated Massive Umbilical Hernia in an Adult: A Case Report.

This case report details the successful management of a massive incarcerated umbilical hernia in an obese adult patient. Strategic integration of omentectomy and meticulous suturing, excluding mesh repair due to comorbidities of obesity and poorly controlled diabetes, led to an uneventful postoperative course. The 65-year-old female underwent semi-emergency surgery, involving the repositioning of the incarcerated intestinal tract into the abdominal cavity through a substantial omentectomy. Closure of the hernia orifice was performed utilizing alternating absorbable interrupted sutures and non-absorbable far-near/near-far stitches. A myofascial release incision in the bilateral rectus abdominis muscle's anterior sheath further contributed to the procedural success. A postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed no abdominal wall dehiscence. This case highlights the effectiveness of tailored surgical procedures and provides insights into the management of adult umbilical hernias with complex clinical comorbidities.

Provincial Review of Adherence to Age-specific Guidelines for Umbilical Hernia Repair and Trends in Management.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical hernia (UH) is a common pediatric condition, for which delaying surgical repair for asymptomatic UH until after age 3 is recommended due to a high incidence of spontaneous closure. We aimed to determine the adherence to guidelines, rate of urgent surgical repair, outcomes, cost, and interinstitutional referral patterns of UH repair in the province of Quebec (Canada). METHODS: This was a population-based retrospective cohort study of children 28 days to 17 years old who underwent UH repair between 2010 and 2020 using health administrative databases. Children who had multiple procedures, or prolonged peri-operative stays were excluded. Early repair was defined as elective surgery at or under age 3. RESULTS: Of the 3215 children, 1744 (54.2%) were female, and 1872 (58.2%) were treated in a tertiary children's hospital. Guidelines were respected for 2853 out of 3215 children (89.7%). Patients living over 75 km from their treating hospitals (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.33-4.16, P < 0.01), with pre-existing comorbidities (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.96-4.05; P < 0.001), or being treated in a tertiary center (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.45-3.03, P < 0.001) had a higher risk of early repair. Repair at or under age 3 and urgent surgery were associated with significant cost increases of 411$ (P < 0.001) and 558$ (P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: Quebec has a high rate of adherence to age-specific guidelines for UH repair. Future research should explore factors that explain transfers into tertiary centers, and the extent to which these reflect efficient use of resources. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: level III. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study.

Case Report: The acute appendicitis and incarcerated umbilical hernia: a rare association.

Introduction: One of the most prevalent congenital wall abnormalities in children, umbilical hernias are often linked to premature or small-for-gestational-age babies. In cases of intestinal malrotation or if the cecum is very movable, generalized peritonitis may facilitate the imprisonment of these hernias. Case report: We described a case of a 4-month-old baby who had a prior reducible umbilical hernia with a history of fever, vomiting, poor appetite, and constipation for around 48 h. The patient experienced significant intestinal bloating, vomiting, irreducibility of the umbilical hernia, skin pigmentation, and erythema at the umbilical site within 2 days after hospitalization. When there was no free abdominal air, a direct abdominal x-ray revealed evidence of hydro-gas stasis and various hydro-aerial levels that were pertinent to the ileum. In order to reduce the hernia, the patient had an emergency surgical treatment where the hernia sac was isolated and released from the ileal loop, which was securely attached to a fibrin plate. When the herniary sac was opened, a gangrenous and perforated appendix was found inside. On the seventh postoperative day, the patient was released from the hospital after an uncomplicated postoperative stay. Conclusion: Our patient's clinical presentation is similar to that of only one other case report involving a 25-day-old male patient. Our case presented with a variant of the clinical symptoms of the previously described umbilical hernia, which became unfixable and strangulated as a result of appendix inflammation. The appendix was discovered inside the hernia sac during surgery.

Use of Bilateral Rectus Sheath Blocks in Open Umbilical Hernia Repair.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the rectus sheath block (RSB) has become increasingly prevalent in laparoscopic surgery. However, there is currently no definitive research on its use in the open repair of umbilical hernias with cirrhotic ascites. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we assessed the safety and clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided (US-guided) bilateral RSBs in open umbilical hernia repair for patients diagnosed with cirrhotic ascites. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-two patients diagnosed with umbilical hernias that presented with cirrhotic ascites and who were admitted to our hospital were randomly divided into 2 groups. These categories were labeled the RSB group (Group R) and the local infiltration group (Group L); we used US-guided RSBs in Group R and local infiltration in Group L. SETTING: The clinical outcomes of the patients in each group were compared to one another. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded at various time points in both groups. METHODS: Measurements of the patients' outcomes were taken before anesthesia (T0), at the beginning of surgery (T1), at the time of the separation of the hernia sac (T2), at the end of surgery (T3), 6 hours postoperatively (T4), and 24 hours postoperatively (T5). On the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pain scores at rest (T1-T3) and during activity (T4-T5) were recorded, as were the incidence of perioperative remedial analgesia and adverse effects. RESULTS: Compared to T0, both groups' HR was significantly higher at T1-T3 (P < 0.05). The SBP and DBP were also significantly higher (P < 0.05). At T1-T3, the HR of Group R was significantly slower than that of Group L (P < 0.05), and at T4-T5, the VAS score for activity in Group R was significantly lower than that of Group L (P < 0.05). Group R had a significantly lower incidence of intraoperative remedial analgesia and postoperative nausea and vomiting than did Group L (P < 0.05). Neither group required postoperative remedial analgesia, and no patient experienced adverse reactions during the perioperative period. LIMITATIONS: This study has limitations in its sample size, lack of blood ammonia levels, and absence of data on patient satisfaction, necessitating future studies to address these issues. CONCLUSION: US-guided RSBs are an efficient method of anesthesia for open umbilical hernia repair in patients diagnosed with cirrhosis. This technique not only provides precise anesthesia and appropriate analgesia but also results in a low incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Comparison between the open and the laparoscopic approach in the primary ventral hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ventral hernia repair underwent various developments in the previous decade. Laparoscopic primary ventral hernia repair may be an alternative to open repair since it prevents large abdominal incisions. However, whether laparoscopy improves clinical outcomes has not been systematically assessed. OBJECTIVES: The aim is to compare the clinical outcomes of the laparoscopic versus open approach of primary ventral hernias. METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted in February 2023. All randomized controlled trials comparing laparoscopy with the open approach in patients with a primary ventral hernia were included. A fixed-effects meta-analysis of risk ratios was performed for hernia recurrence, local infection, wound dehiscence, and local seroma. Meta-analysis for weighted mean differences was performed for postoperative pain, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and time until return to work. RESULTS: Nine studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall hernia recurrence was twice less likely to occur in laparoscopy (RR = 0.49; 95%CI = 0.32-0.74; p < 0.001; I2 = 29%). Local infection (RR = 0.30; 95%CI = 0.19-0.49; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), wound dehiscence (RR = 0.08; 95%CI = 0.02-0.32; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), and local seroma (RR = 0.34; 95%CI = 0.19-0.59; p < 0.001; I2 = 14%) were also significantly less likely in patients undergoing laparoscopy. Severe heterogeneity was obtained when pooling data on postoperative pain, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and time until return to work. CONCLUSION: The results of available studies are controversial and have a high risk of bias, small sample sizes, and no well-defined protocols. However, the laparoscopic approach seems associated with a lower frequency of hernia recurrence, local infection, wound dehiscence, and local seroma.

[Is vTAPP for small ventral hernias a potential «gold standard¼ for less than 24 hours hospitalization?] / Operatsiya vTAPP pri nebol'shikh ventral'nykh gryzhakh ­ potentsial'nyi «zolotoi standart¼ dlya dosutochnoi gospitalizatsii?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of vTAPP for small/M3W1 hernias compared to IPOM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively recruited group of patients. Study objects were patients undergoing ventral laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (vTAPP) for primary Midline/Lateral Small hernias up to 2 cm. The control group comprised patients after IPOM procedure. RESULTS: We analyzed 179 patients: vTAPP (n=132) and IPOM groups (n=47). The vTAPP group was characterized by significantly shorter hospitals-stay (Q1-Q3: 8-70 hours, p<0.001), fewer relapses (n=2, p=0.047) and slightly longer surgery (Q1-Q3: 40-80 min, p=0.037). Cost-effectiveness analysis revealed 3.39 times more profitable vTAPP compared to IPOM. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic preperitoneal hernia repair is a safe and effective method not requiring special tools and consumables. This approach is applicable as an outpatient (or <24h hospital-stay) method.

Predictive value of hematological parameters in cirrhotic patients with open umbilical hernia repair.

PURPOSE: Patients with liver cirrhosis sometimes suffer from high recurrence rates and postoperative complications. We previously reported that platelet-related hematological parameters are associated with the outcomes after incisional herniorrhaphy, and aim to evaluate the predictive value of these criteria in cirrhotic patients undergoing open umbilical herniorrhaphy. METHODS: This is a retrospective study. The data of 95 cirrhotic patients undergoing open umbilical herniorrhaphy were analyzed. Patients were grouped based on the recurrence and defined hematological values. Platelet-multiple-lymphocyte index (PLM), neutrophil-leukocyte ratio, lymphocyte-monocyte ratio, platelet-neutrophil ratio, systemic immune-inflammation index, and aspartate aminotransferase-leukocyte ratio values were calculated based on preoperative blood analyses. The outcomes were obtained from hospital records and follow-up calls to patients. RESULTS: Using cutoff values acquired by the Youden Index, we found a PLM value < 27.9, and the history of inguinal herniorrhaphy were revealed to be statistically significant in the recurrence based on univariant and multivariant analyses (p < 0.05). We further divided patients into two groups based on the cutoff value of PLM and found that a PLM value < 27.9 was significantly associated with the recurrence of incisional hernias (p = 0.018) and the occurrence of postoperative foreign sensation (p = 0.044), and tended to result in other postoperative complications such as cardiopathy, respiratory infection, hypoproteinemia, and hepatic diseases (p = 0.089). CONCLUSION: The preoperative hematological values, especially PLM, may indicate the outcomes in cirrhotic patients after open umbilical herniorrhaphy. Accurate identification of risks may alert the intraoperative and postoperative care for patients.

Short-term outcomes after open versus robot-assisted repair of ventral hernias: a nationwide database study.

PURPOSE: The robotic platform is widely implemented; however, evidence evaluating outcomes of robotic ventral hernia repair is still lacking. The aim of the study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes after open and robot-assisted repair of primary ventral and incisional hernias. METHODS: Nationwide register-based cohort study with data from the Danish Ventral Hernia Database and the National Danish Patients Registry was from January 1, 2017 to August 22, 2022. Robot-assisted ventral hernia repairs were propensity score matched 1:3 with open repairs according to the confounding variables defect size, Charlson comorbidity index score, and age. Logistic regression analyses were performed for factors associated with length of stay > 2 days, readmission, and reoperation within 90 days. RESULTS: A total of 528 and 1521 patients underwent robot-assisted and open repair, respectively. The mean length of hospital stay in days was 0.5 versus 2.1 for robot-assisted and open approach, respectively (P < 0.001) and open approach was correlated with risk of length of stay > 2 days (OR 23.25, CI 13.80-39.17, P < 0.001). The incidence of readmission within 90 days of discharge was significantly lower after robot-assisted repair compared to open approach (6.2% vs. 12.1%, P < 0.001). Open approach was independently associated with increased risk of readmission (OR 21.43, CI 13.28-39.17, P = 0.005, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted ventral hernia repair is safe and feasible and associated with shorter length of stay and decreased risk of readmission compared with open ventral hernia repair.

The impact of urgency of umbilical hernia repair on adverse outcomes in patients with cirrhosis: a population-based cohort study from England.

INTRODUCTION: Umbilical hernia is common in patients with cirrhosis; however, there is a paucity of dedicated studies on postoperative outcomes in this group of patients. This population-based cohort study aimed to determine the outcomes after emergency and elective umbilical hernia repair in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS: Two linked electronic healthcare databases from England were used to identify all patients undergoing umbilical hernia repair between January 2000 and December 2017. Patients were grouped into those with and without cirrhosis and stratified by severity into compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. Length of stay, readmission, 90-day case fatality rate and the odds ratio of 90-day postoperative mortality were defined using logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 22,163 patients who underwent an umbilical hernia repair were included and 297 (1.34%) had cirrhosis. More patients without cirrhosis had an elective procedure, 86% compared with 51% of those with cirrhosis (P < 0.001). In both the elective and emergency settings, patients with cirrhosis had longer hospital length of stay (elective: 0 vs 1 day, emergency: 2 vs 4 days, P < 0.0001) and higher readmission rates (elective: 4.87% vs 11.33%, emergency:11.39% vs 29.25%, P < 0.0001) than those without cirrhosis. The 90-day case fatality rates were 2% and 0.16% in the elective setting, and 19% and 2.96% in the emergency setting in patients with and without cirrhosis respectively. CONCLUSION: Emergency umbilical hernia repair in patients with cirrhosis is associated with poorer outcomes in terms of length of stay, readmissions and mortality at 90 days.

Flood Syndrome: Endovascular management of spontaneous rupture of an umbilical hernia due to long-standing ascites - A case report.

Umbilical hernias are common in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and ascites; however, spontaneous rupture of the hernia is a rare complication. Flood Syndrome occurs very rarely in cirrhotic patients with massive ascites and refers to the spontaneous rupture of an umbilical hernia followed by leakage of ascites fluid. A literature search shows that patients have been managed both operatively and nonoperatively for this condition. We report a case of a 56-year-old man with a history of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis and massive ascites refractory to medical therapy with sudden and spontaneous perforation of his hernia leading to drainage of ascitic fluid from the abdomen. We performed a transjugular intrahepatic portosystematic shunt to relieve portal pressure and subsequent intraabdominal pressure. The patient had resolution of symptoms and the ascitic fluid outflow was resolved.

Incarcerated umbilical hernia in a patient with cirrhotic ascites in combination with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a case report.

Umbilical hernia is a common type of extra-abdominal hernia in adults. However, chronic granulocytic leukemia in combination with cirrhotic ascites and renal insufficiency is less common. The patient reported here had both indications and contraindications for emergency surgery; therefore, the treatment options were subject to debate. We report the case of a man in his 60s who had a strangulated umbilical hernia, with overlying purple-colored infected and necrotic skin. The area was painful, but his bowel movements were normal. Patients underwent comprehensive conservative management, and remote follow-ups via telephone and video conferencing for a period of 60 days, during which the incarcerated contents of the hernia eventually retracted and his pain was relieved, such that there were no longer indications for emergency surgery. In addition, his skin infection disappeared and his quality of life improved, and therefore the treatment outcomes were good. Thus, we provide evidence that not all incarcerated umbilical hernias require emergency surgery, but may respond well to conservative treatment when the contents do not include intestinal loops or other critical organs.

Long-term cosmetic outcomes of the slit-slide procedure for umbilical hernia repair in children.

PURPOSE: To assess the long-term cosmetic outcomes of the "slit-slide procedure", designed to provide a more natural appearance for umbilical hernia repair, as perceived by the patients and their parents. METHODS: A total of 149 patients with umbilical hernia underwent the slit-slide procedure at our hospital. The slit-slide procedure allows for the creation of an umbilicus with a more natural and integrated appearance. The patient satisfaction survey questionnaire was mailed to the families (n = 139), and there were 74 (53.2%) respondents. A questionnaire survey on postoperative appearance was also distributed to pediatric surgeons. RESULTS: The median age at the time of operation was 2.5 years (range, 2 months to 14 years) and the average median age at the time of answering the questionnaire was 6.25 years old (range, 2.5-14.8 years). The average median period of observation was 3.2 years (range, 4 months to 8.97 years). Most patients (89.2%) and parents (93.2%) were satisfied with the appearance of the umbilicus. Twenty-seven patients reported improved satisfaction after surgery (36.2%). Surgeons tended to score the elongated-oval shape highly; however, there was no difference in satisfaction among the shapes. CONCLUSION: The slit-slide procedure is not only effective and safe, but it achieves a satisfactory aesthetic outcome.

The evidence mismatch in pediatric surgical practice.

PURPOSE: Outpatient pediatric surgical practice often involves conditions of limited morbidity but significant parental concern. We explore existing evidence-based management recommendations and the mismatch with practice patterns for four common outpatient pediatric surgical conditions. METHODS: Using the Cochrane Rapid Review Group recommendations and librarian oversight, we conducted a rapid review of four outpatient surgical conditions: dermoid cysts, epigastric hernias, hydroceles, and umbilical hernias. We extracted patient demographics, intervention details, outcome measures and evaluated justifications presented for chosen management options. A metric of evidence volume (patient/publication ratio) was generated and compared between diagnoses. RESULTS: Out of 831 articles published since 1990, we identified 49 cohort studies (10-dermoid cyst, 6-epigastric hernia, 25-hydrocele, and 8-umbilical hernia). The 49 publications included 34,172 patients treated across 18 countries. The evidence volume for each outpatient condition demonstrates < 1 cohort/condition/year. The evidence mismatch rate varied between 33 and 75%; many existing recommendations are not evidence-based, sometimes conflicting and frequently misrepresentative of clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: Published literature concerning common outpatient pediatric surgical conditions is sparse and demonstrates wide variations in practice. All individual practice choices were justified using either risk of complications or patient preference. Most early intervention practices were based on weak or outdated studies and "common wisdom" rather than genuine evidence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Effectiveness of simultaneous umbilical hernia primary repair with laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Umbilical hernia repair can be easily performed simultaneously with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The use of mesh is recommended for hernias larger than 1 cm. In this study, patients with primary repair of umbilical hernia simultaneously with laparoscopic cholecystectomy were evaluated. It aimed to present the effectiveness of this method and the effect of body mass index (BMI) on treatment results. METHODS: The records of patients who underwent primary repair of umbilical hernia simultaneously with laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 2014 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients' age, gender, BMI, length of hospital stay, recurrence and reoperation information, and follow-up times were analyzed. The patients were examined in three groups according to their BMI, and the effect of BMI on treatment was investigated. RESULTS: patients were included in the study. Median values of the patients for age, BMI, hospitalization, and follow-up were 63 (28-94), 31 (20-51) kg/m2, 1 (1-25) days, and 23 (0.6-76) months, respectively. Recurrence was detected in 8 patients. BMI was <25 in one patient with recurrence and >30 in 5 patients. There was no significant correlation between length of stay, number of relapse and reoperation, and BMI (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In our study, the recurrence rate was found to be higher than the studies reported with the use of mesh, and most of the patients with recurrence are obese, although it is not statistically significant. If the recurrence rate is acceptable, we believe that repair with primary suture is feasible in umbilical hernia.

Altered Transcript Levels of MMP13 and VIT Genes in the Muscle and Connective Tissue of Pigs with Umbilical Hernia.

Umbilical hernia (UH) and inguinal hernia (IH) are among the most common defects in pigs, affecting their welfare and resulting in economic losses. In this study, we aimed to verify the association of previously reported differences in transcript levels of the ACAN, COL6A5, MMP13, and VIT genes with the occurrence of UH and IH. We examined mRNA levels in muscle and connective tissue from 68 animals-34 affected by UH and 34 controls. In a second cohort, we examined inguinal channel samples from 46 pigs (in four groups). We determined DNA methylation levels in muscle tissue for the UH and control animals. The transcript level of MMP13 changed in the UH cases, being upregulated and downregulated in muscle and connective tissue, respectively, and the VIT gene also showed an increased muscular mRNA level. The transcript of the ACAN gene significantly decreased in old pigs with IH. We further observed an increased DNA methylation level for one CpG site within the MMP13 gene in UH individuals. We conclude that these alterations in gene mRNA levels in the UH animals depend on the tissue and can sometimes be a consequence of, not a cause of, the affected phenotype.