Herniation of the appendix through the umbilical ring following umbilical artery catheterization

A case of herniation of the appendix through the umbilical ring following transection of the umbilical cord for arterial catheterization is described. After the appendix was returned into the abdominal cavity and the peritoneal edges closed, the patient had no further difficulty. This rare complication of catheterization can be avoided by careful palpation of the umbilical stump and use of a moist bias tape around the base of the umbilicus prior to transection of the cord.