Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Background: Congenital umbilical anomalies may result from incomplete obliteration of embryological structures, particularly the urachus and vitelline duct (omphalomesenteric duct). They can present with persistent discharge, inflammation, pain, or an umbilical mass, and their clinical features may overlap. Objective: To describe the clinical presentations, management, and documented outcomes of three patients with congenital umbilical anomalies managed at a single centre. Case presentations: Three male patients aged 22 years, 3 months, and 8 years presented with symptomatic umbilical abnormalities. The 22-year-old had intermittent foul-smelling discharge, fever, and pain and underwent excision of a urachal lesion and Meckel’s diverticulum with ileal resection and anastomosis. The 3-month-old infant had a red, tender umbilical swelling, fever, and crying during micturition and underwent urachal excision, distal tract marsupialisation, and drain placement. The 8-year-old child had painful umbilical discharge and underwent excision of the urachal tract with umbilicectomy. Histopathology results, postoperative complications, and follow-up duration were not available in the source records provided for this revision. Conclusion: Persistent or recurrent umbilical discharge warrants careful clinical assessment and appropriate investigation to identify a congenital remnant and guide management.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Bhandary et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: