A Clinical Study and Management of Umbilical Disorders

Background and Aims: Umbilicus is a localized depressed area that marks the connection of an individual with his or her mother during the foetal life. In recent years it is known that it forms the gateway for minimal access surgeries. It also forms the major weak point in the anterior abdominal wall, which can be prone for herniation. Umbilical disorders may be either congenital or acquired. The treatment of umbilical disorders is important to prevent complications. Methods: A series of 30 cases of umbilical disorders were studied and treated accordingly in a prospective interventional study. Results: Umbilical hernia is the most common disorder encountered. Out of 30 patients, 26 patients had umbilical hernia, while two patients had umbilical granuloma and one each of umbilical sinus and umbilical sepsis. Umbilical hernia was repaired either with anatomical repair or mesh repair, while ultrasound examination formed the common modality of this investigation. Conclusions: Umbilical hernia is the most common form of umbilical disorder followed by umbilical granuloma and urachal sinus.