Findings of a patent omphalomesenteric duct in children with umbilical cord hernia showing different prognosis.

BACKGROUND

Umbilical cord hernia (UCH) is a rare midline abdominal defect, with the incidence of 1:5,000 live birth. It might be accompanied by other congenital anomalies, including patent omphalomesenteric duct (OMD). Here, we reported two pediatric cases of UCH with the findings of patent OMD and different prognosis.

CASE PRESENTATION: We described two cases UCH with patent OMD: the first case, UCH with the incidental findings of patent OMD during the defect closure; while the second case, UCH with the prolapse of patent OMD. Both cases underwent exploratory laparotomy, patent OMD resection, and primary ileal anastomosis. The first patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on postoperative day 21. The second patient developed respiratory acidosis and subsequently died on postoperative day 7.

CONCLUSIONS

The patent OMD might present in children with UCH with different prognosis. Our findings suggest the attending pediatric surgeon should look for the presence of other congenital malformation associated with abdominal wall defect. These might affect the prognosis of patients with UCH.