Umbilical Discharge Research Articles

The Urachal Pathology with Umbilical Manifestation: Overview of Laparoscopic Technique

The persistent patency of the urachus after birth is a rare anomaly, especially because most of the cases are asymptomatic. The guiding symptom for urachal-umbilical sinus and urachal cyst is the presence of umbilical discharge. Even if today we tend to laparoscopic treatment, in scientific literature there is still no evidence, because the reports are rare and often they are clinical cases. Thirteen patients with a symptomatic urachal pathology were evaluated; 12 of these were affected by umbilical discharge and 1 by periumbilical discomfort. Five of 13 were prospectively treated by laparoscopy and the remaining 8 patients, who had been previously treated with conventional surgery, formed the control group. The authors report the laparoscopic technique used, which allowed the complete excision of the urachus. The operation time was lower for the patients treated by conventional surgery (71.9 minutes versus 101 minutes; P=.002), whereas the control pain (P=.05) and, above all, the excised urachus length (11.6 versus 8.7 cm; P=.03) were in favor of the patients treated by laparoscopic surgery. We registered only one recurrence in a patient treated by conventional surgery. In the rare international scientific literature, only one study report comparative data, as our study. The results that we obtained seem to be in favor of the laparoscopic procedure, although prospective, randomized trials are needed to get stronger evidence.

Incidence and etiology of omphalitis in Pakistan: a community-based cohort study

Although omphalitis (umbilical infections) among newborns is common and a major cause of neonatal deaths in developing countries, information on its burden and etiology from community settings is lacking. This study aimed to determine the incidence and etiology of omphalitis in newborns in high neonatal mortality settings in Karachi, Pakistan. Trained community health workers surveyed all new births in three low-income areas from September 2004 to August 2007. Pus samples from the umbilical stumps were obtained from babies with pre-defined signs of illness and subjected to culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Among 6904 births, 1501 (21.7%) newborns were diagnosed with omphalitis. Of these, 325 (21.6%) were classified as mild, 1042 (69.4%) as moderate, and 134 (8.9%) as severe; 141 (9.3%) were associated with clinical signs of sepsis. The incidence of omphalitis was 217.4/1000 live births; moderate-severe omphalitis 170.3 per 1000 live births; and associated with sepsis 20.4 per 1000 live births. Of 853 infants with purulent umbilical discharge, 64% yielded 583 isolates. The most common pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus, of which 291 (95.7%) were methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and 13 (4.2%) methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA); Streptococcus pyogenes 105 (18%); Group B beta-hemolytic streptococci 59 (10 %); Pseudomonas spp., 52 (8.9 %); Aeromonas spp. 19 (3.2%); and Klebsiella spp. 12 (2%). A high burden of omphalitis can be associated with sepsis among newborns in low-income communities in Pakistan. S. aureus is the most common pathogen isolated from umbilical pus. Appropriate low-cost prevention strategies need to be implemented.

Urachal Sinus Presenting with Abscess Formation

Urachal affections are rare. Their variable ways of presentation may represent a diagnostic challenge. Urachal sinuses are a rare type of these abnormalities. They are usually incidental findings and remain asymptomatic unless a complication (most commonly the infection) occurs. Infection of the urachal sinus would clinically present as purulent umbilical discharge, abdominal pain, and periumbilical mass. We report herein a case of infected urachal sinus in male adult. The diagnosis was suspected clinically and confirmed with ultrasonography and computed tomography scan. A preoperative cysto-fibroscopy showed normal aspect of the bladder and excluded sinus communication. An initial broad spectrum antibiotic therapy followed by complete excision of the sinus and fibrous tract without cuff of bladder has been therefore performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. No recurrence was observed after 18 months of followup. Histological examination did not reveal any sign of malignancy.

Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Excision of Urachal Sinus found to be Mucinous Carcinoma: A Case for Umbilectomy

We present the case of a 26-year-old African-American female with umbilical discharge who was found to have a urachal sinus extending from the bladder to the level of the umbilicus. Authors: Nathan A. Bockholt1, Kenneth G. Nepple1, Laila Dahmoush2, Chad R. Tracy 1. University of Iowa Departments of 1Urology and 2Pathology, Iowa City, Iowa Corresponding […]

Patent vitelline duct as a cause of acute abdomen: Case report of an adult patient

A patent vitelline duct is an uncommon condition. Diagnosis is based on clinical and radiological findings. Complications include prolapse, intestinal obstruction, hemorrhage, and perforation. Here, we report the case of a 23-year-old man with patent vitelline duct who presented with umbilical discharge, severe abdominal pain, fever of 38.5°C, no gas/feces passage, and nausea and vomiting for three days. Laparotomy with midline incision was performed because of acute abdomen. A patent vitelline duct from the terminal ileum to the umbilicus was observed. Meckel's diverticulitis and ileus were also noted. En bloc resection of the umbilicus, patent vitelline duct and a 15 cm ileal segment was performed. The patient was discharged five days after the operation.

Patent Vitellointestinal Duct: A Close Differential Diagnosis of Umbilical Granuloma: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Umbilical granuloma is a very common cause of umbilical discharge. It is managed by chemical cauterization or simple thread ligation. However, it can be a differential diagnosis of patent vitello intestinal duct and this should be ruled out before managing such patients. We report a case of a 10-week-old male infant referred by his General Practitioner for silver nitrate cauterisation, with a diagnosis of suspected umbilical granuloma (UG). The child underwent subsequent exploratory laparotomy and bowel anastomosis.

Giant Umbilical Cord Edema Caused by Retrograde Micturition through an Open Patent Urachus

A giant umbilical cord is a rare finding in mature newborns and originates from different developmental etiologies. We report on a case of a mature female newborn presenting a 50 × 8-cm giant umbilical cord without further malformations. Antenatal sonographic findings of a diffuse giant umbilical cord, elevated creatinine levels of 1.3 mg/dL in umbilical cord edema, gross and histopathological findings of allantoic remnants, and umbilical urinary discharge lead to the diagnosis of a patent urachus with retrograde micturition into the umbilical cord. Postnatal surgical repair was required. In antenatal sonography, cystic and diffuse changes should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a giant umbilical cord. In cases of diffuse enlargement, elevated umbilical creatinine can support the diagnosis of a patent urachus with open leakage into the Wharton's jelly. Appropriate surgical management is required.

Role of prophylactic antibiotics in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Antibiotic prophylaxis is routinely administered in laparoscopic cholecystectomy but its role is debatable. Methods: From January 2004 to August 2008, 417 patients were randomized into 208 in antibiotic group (AG) and 209 in non antibiotic group (NAG). AG received one dose each of injection ciprofloxacin (200 mg) and metronidazole (500mg) preoperatively. NAG was given only intravenous fluids. Besides routine care, all underwent abdominal sonography and liver function tests at least once during the 30 postoperative days. Result: Age, sex and co-morbidity distribution were similar in both the groups. One patient who was on weekly 5mg methotraxate (NAG) had erythema around umbilical port. Other three having umbilical discharge recovered without antibiotics. Nine patients had subhepatic collection (5 AG and 4 NAG). One from NAG underwent re-laparoscopy and drainage. Ten patients had fever. Two from AG had basal lung collapse and were given antibiotics. Conclusion: Antibiotic prophylaxis is not needed for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Ectopic gastric and pancreatic tissue: a rare cause of umbilical discharge

Persistent umbilical drainage may be due to vestigial remnants of the omphalomesenteric duct. Rarely, it may be owing to the presence of ectopic pancreatic tissue within these remnants. An 18-month-old boy underwent surgical exploration for umbilical discharge. An umbilical nodule containing both ectopic gastric and pancreatic tissue was found. This is the first instance where both tissue types have been implicated as a cause.

Clinical Presentation and Urachal Remnant Pathology: Implications for Treatment

Symptomatic pediatric urachal remnants are frequently excised but to our knowledge it is unknown whether incidentally identified urachal remnants require removal. Urachal remnant excision in childhood is advocated to avoid future malignancy. Urachal anomalies that contain fibrostromal tissue without epithelium may have lower malignant potential and not require excision. In contrast, lesions with epithelium may have increased potential to undergo malignant transformation. We examined whether incidentally identified urachal remnants would be less likely to contain epithelial elements and not require removal. At our institution 29 patients underwent surgical excision of a urachal anomaly from 1999 to 2008. We retrospectively investigated the presentation mode, radiographic findings, associated genitourinary abnormalities, operative approach, tissue pathology, complications and followup in each patient. The male-to-female ratio was 1.2:1. Patient presentation was incidental (5) or symptomatic (24). Symptomatic presentations included umbilical discharge without omphalitis in 13 cases, umbilical discharge with omphalitis in 7, omphalitis without umbilical discharge in 3 and urinary tract infection in 1. The epithelial types identified were transitional, gastrointestinal, squamous, metaplastic and mixed. Epithelium was present on pathological analysis in 3 of 5 patients who presented incidentally and in 17 of 24 who presented symptomatically. Statistical analysis showed no association between presentation mode and pathology (p = 0.63). Five patients 4 weeks to 2.5 months old had vesicoureteral reflux on voiding cystourethrogram for urachal remnant evaluation. Analysis of 29 patients with urachal anomalies showed no association between incidental presentation and fibrostromal pathology. Patients presenting without symptoms were as likely to have epithelial elements in the urachal remnant as those presenting with symptoms. We could not define treatment recommendations for incidentally identified urachal remnants based on predicting the histopathological composition.

Patent omphalomesenteric duct

Complete patency of the omphalomesenteric duct is one of the most uncommon presentations of omphalomesenteric related anomalies. We herein present a newborn with a faecal umbilical discharge due to the above-mentioned anomaly. We describe the diagnostic and therapeutic options and the results of a literature review.

Omphalolith presented with peritonitis: a case report

Omphalolith is a hard, smooth, almost black bolus found in the umbilicus, resembling a malignant melanoma. It is often accompanied by seborrhea which may lead to abscess formation. It may be related to poor hygiene. Patient is usually complaining of umbilical discharge and pain. This report describes a rare case of omphalolith (umbilical stone) induced peritonitis, in a patient who presented as acute appendicitis. In our case the two umbilical stones found their way to the peritoneal cavity and induced peritonitis.

Infected urachal cyst in an adult: a case report and review of the literature

IntroductionUrachal cyst is one of a spectrum of urachal abnormalities most commonly found in children. They are very rarely seen in adults because the urachus is normally obliterated in early infancy.Case presentationWe describe a case of a 32 year old male Caucasian who presented with a tender, midline, infraumbilical mass and purulent umbilical discharge. Diagnosis of an infected urachal cyst was confirmed on magnetic resonance scan. He was treated initially with broad spectrum antibiotics in order to allow sepsis to resolve prior to surgical excision of the cyst and fibrous tract. Cystoscopy was performed intraoperatively to exclude sinus communication with the bladder. Histology of the excised specimen showed chronic inflammation with no evidence of malignancy. Postoperative recovery was uneventful.ConclusionUrachal abnormalities are rare in adults. Clinical presentation is non-specific; therefore, a high index of suspicion is required in order to make the diagnosis. When diagnosed, surgical excision is advised because of the risk of malignant transformation.

'Lint ball' omphalitis, a rare cause of umbilical discharge in an adult woman: a case report

IntroductionUmbilical discharge in adult is rare and is usually induced by foreign material, most commonly hair. Rarely, it may be due to embryonal anomalies. We are reporting an unusual case of umbilical discharge in adult secondary to an impacted lint ball.Case presentationA 55-year-old obese woman presented with a 4-month history of hemorrhagic discharge from the umbilicus. Deep from the base of the umbilicus, a 0.8 cm gray-tan mass was removed that on microscopic examination revealed a lint ball.ConclusionAn impacted lint ball may be a rare cause of umbilical discharge in adult.

Etiology of neonatal blood stream infections in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia

Neonatal blood stream infections (BSI) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. It is crucial to continuously monitor the local epidemiology of neonatal BSI to detect any changes in patterns of infection and susceptibility to various antibiotics. To examine the etiology of BSI in two neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the Republic of Georgia, a resource-poor country, and to determine antibiotic susceptibility of the isolated organisms. A cross-sectional study of all septic infants was conducted in the NICUs of two pediatric hospitals in Tbilisi between September 2003 and September 2004. A total of 200 infants with clinical signs of sepsis were admitted to two NICUs. Of these, 126 (63%) had confirmed bacteremia. The mortality rate was 34%. A total of 98 (78%) of 126 recovered isolates were Gram-negative organisms and 28 (22%) were Gram-positive. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common pathogen, accounting for 36 (29%) of 126 isolates, followed by Enterobacter cloacae accounting for 19 (15%) and Staphylococcus aureus accounting for 15 (12%). The Gram-negative organisms showed a high degree of resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanate, and comparatively low resistance to amikacin, ciprofloxacin, carbapenems, and gentamicin; 40% of S. aureus isolates were methicillin-resistant (MRSA). In multivariate analysis only umbilical discharge was a significant risk factor for having a positive blood culture at admission to NICU (prevalence ratio = 2.25, 95% confidence interval 1.82-2.77). Neonatal BSI was mainly caused by Gram-negative organisms, which are developing resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Understanding the local epidemiology of neonatal BSI can lead to the development of better medical practices, especially more appropriate choices for empiric antibiotic therapy, and may contribute to improvement of infection control practices.

Unusual Presentation of Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma: Report of a Case

Sister Mary Joseph's nodule, which can present as the first sign of internal malignancies, is a rare form of cutaneous umbilical metastases and usually carries a poor prognosis. A case of Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule caused by primary appendiceal adenocarcinoma is presented. A 51-year-old female patient was with umbilical discharge for one month. No other gastrointestinal symptoms was noted. Physical examination revealed a hard, non-tender umbilical nodule with skin discoloration and mucus-like discharge. Histopathologic examination of the umbilical biopsy specimen revealed a mucin-producing, well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. The primary lesion proved to be appendiceal adenocarcinoma with invasion to right adnexa and uterus via further image study and exploratory laparotomy. To the best of our knowledge, the case we present is the first reported appendiceal adenocarcinoma with umbilical metastasis. The authors emphasize the need for careful evaluation of any umbilical lesions and the importance of histologic diagnosis when the origin of the diseases is undetermined.

Patent Omphalomesenteric Duct Demonstrated by Intestinal Transit Scintigraphy

Patency of the omphalomesenteric duct is a rare congenital condition. It results from incomplete obliteration of the omphalomesenteric duct lumen during fetal life. Patent omphalomesenteric duct may be associated with umbilical discharge. We report on a 1-month-old patient, with discharging umbilicus, due to a patent omphalomesenteric duct. The correct diagnosis was suggested by intestinal transit scintigraphy, which demonstrated the presence of leakage of a radioactive meal into the gauze covering the umbilicus. In this patient, ultrasonographic examination was inconclusive and fistulogram failed to reveal any abnormality.

Evaluation of the Outcome of Complete Sinus Excision with Reconstruction of the Umbilicus in Patients with Umbilical Pilonidal Sinus

Umbilical pilonidal sinus is a cause of umbilical discharge. In this study, the outcome of complete excision of the umbilical sinus with umbilical reconstruction is considered. Adult patients with umbilical pilonidal sinus who had not undergone any previous surgeries were operated on using a technique that involves complete excision of the sinus after eversion of the umbilicus followed by reconstruction of the umbilicus. Patients were then followed; and wound complications, recurrence, and patient satisfaction were evaluated at postoperative visits. A total of 45 patients underwent the operation; 39 (86.5%) were male, and 6 (13.5%) were female. The mean age was 22.6 years (18-27 years). Six male patients had synchronous sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease. The mean follow-up period was 34 months (3-62 months). Only four patients had wound drainage after operation, and all required drainage of the wound. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up period, and all patients were satisfied with the appearance of their umbilicus. The technique of complete sinus excision and umbilical reconstruction is an effective and acceptable method for treating umbilical pilonidal sinus and may be recommended for primary treatment of this disease.

Investigation and management of suspected urachal anomalies in children

Urachal anomalies occur infrequently, but may be associated with morbidity, particularly when the diagnosis has been delayed. We retrospectively reviewed our institution's experience over a 10-year and 7-month period in the investigation and management of suspected urachal anomalies. There were 25 children between November 1995 and June 2006, who presented with a suspected urachal anomaly. The mean age was 12 months (range 3 days to 13 years); 14 were male. Presentations included granulomatous polyp (16), umbilical discharge (4), umbilical sepsis (2) and abdominal pain (2). One case was diagnosed incidentally during a renal ultrasound scan (US). The main investigative tool was US (10), followed by micturating cystourethrogram (2). Of the 25 children, 12 had a patent urachus confirmed by subsequent further imaging or surgery. Our review suggests that whilst clinical examination remains important in the management of a child presenting with a possible urachal pathology, in 36% of the cases the correct diagnosis was only made with further radiological imaging or at operation. Surgical excision was effective with no morbidity or mortality.

Symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum in children: a 16-year review

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) has varied presentations and often becomes a diagnostic challenge. The purpose of this study was to review the various presentations of symptomatic MD and to assess the sensitivity of the Meckel's scan as a diagnostic tool in patients with bleeding MD. The hospital records of 71 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of MD from 1990 to 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. The data was assessed for age at presentation, sex, clinical features, investigations performed, surgical intervention and histopathological findings. There were 71 patients with a diagnosis of MD (age 2 days-14 years). In eight patients, MD was an incidental finding at laparotomy. The remaining 63 patients were symptomatic and presented with various clinical features. Ten patients (15.8%) had clinical features of peritonitis; of these, six had perforated MD and four had Meckel's diverticulitis at laparotomy. Nine patients (14.2%) were diagnosed as intestinal obstruction, and at laparotomy, a Meckel's band was found to be the cause of the obstruction. Nine patients (14.2%) had a patent vitello-intestinal duct and presented with umbilical discharge. Thirty-five patients (55.5%) presented with episodes of bleeding per rectum or malaena. Ultrasound scans revealed intussusception in six patients requiring open reduction. Of the remaining 29 patients with bleeding per rectum, 27 underwent a Meckel's Tc99 scan that showed a positive tracer in 18 patients (66.6%) and negative in 9 (33.3%). All patients with a symptomatic MD underwent resection of the diverticulum. Histology revealed ectopic gastric mucosa in 43 patients (68.3%). MD has various presentations and can be easily misdiagnosed. It is necessary to maintain a high index of suspicion in the paediatric age group. The Meckel's scan has a poor positive predictive value and cannot be relied upon for a diagnosis in cases of bleeding MD if Tc99 scan is negative.