Persistent omphalomesenteric duct in an infant. Clinical case study

Abstract

Persistence of the omphalomesenteric duct is a rare congenital anomaly. Persistent umbilical discharge is a finding that may occur in neonates and infants, and while in some cases it responds to medical treatment, others require surgical intervention. We present the case of a two-month-old infant diagnosed at birth with an umbilical granuloma, whose symptoms persisted despite treatment with silver nitrate. Due to the lack of clinical improvement, an exploratory laparotomy was performed, revealing a patent omphalomesenteric duct. Resection of the affected segment and ileal anastomosis were carried out. The patient had a favorable postoperative course and was discharged five days after the surgery. This case highlights the importance of considering this entity in the differential diagnosis of apparent umbilical conditions, as it may mimic benign lesions and hinder early identification.