THE PREVALENCE AND OUTCOMES OF UMBILICAL PATHOLOGIES IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS"

Abstract

Background: Umbilical pathologies in children encompass a spectrum of conditions, including benign lesions, congenital anomalies, and infectious disorders. These conditions vary in clinical presentation and severity, requiring accurate diagnosis and appropriate management to prevent complications and ensure optimal outcomes.

Objective: To determine the frequency and short-term treatment outcomes of umbilical pathologies in pediatric patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital.

Methods: Umbilical pathologies in pediatric patients include benign conditions, congenital anomalies, and infectious processes that commonly present in surgical practice.To prevent the development of complications and to maximize the prognostic results, it is necessary to implement timely diagnostic guidelines and reasonable methods of therapeutic intervention..

Results: total of 106 pediatric patients were included in the study, with a male predominance (58.5%). Umbilical granuloma was the most common pathology (39.6%), followed by umbilical polyp (17.9%) and umbilical hernia (14.2%). Other conditions included patent omphalomesenteric duct with Meckel’s diverticulum (10.4%), omphalitis with abscess (8.5%), umbilical sinus (5.7%), and patent urachus (3.8%). Management varied according to the underlying condition, including both conservative and surgical approaches. At 30-day follow-up, favorable outcomes were observed in 84.9% of patients, while 15.1% had unfavorable outcomes.

Conclusion: The umbilical pathologies are common in the pediatric population, mostly benign, and have positive short-term results when properly handled. Clinical assessment and early therapy treatment is necessary to maximize treatment results and reduce the number of complications.