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Persistent umbilical discharge in infants and children.
P M Mshelbwala1, L Sabiu, L B Chirdan
1Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria.
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|May 20, 2006
Summary
Persistent umbilical discharge in children often requires surgical intervention. Early evaluation and complete excision of the underlying cause, such as a patent vitello-intestinal duct, are crucial for successful treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neonatology
- Clinical Pediatrics
Background:
- Umbilical discharge is a common presentation in pediatric patients.
- Evaluation and management strategies for persistent umbilical discharge are infrequently discussed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evaluation and management of persistent umbilical discharge in infants and children.
- To identify common causes and treatment outcomes for pediatric umbilical discharge.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 18 pediatric patients with persistent umbilical discharge over 22 years.
- Exclusion of neonates with omphalitis.
- Evaluation included bacteriology, fistulogram, and histopathology.
Main Results:
- The most common cause was a patent vitello-intestinal duct (11 patients).
- Other causes included umbilical granuloma, umbilical sinus, patent urachus, and osteomyelitis.
- Definitive treatment involved surgical exploration and excision; two patients with patent vitello-intestinal duct died.
Conclusions:
- Persistent umbilical discharge necessitates early referral and treatment.
- Conservative management is often unsuccessful; complete surgical excision is typically required.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are vital for favorable outcomes.