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Patent omphalomesenteric duct (umbilical enteric fistula) was diagnosed in a 7‐day‐old infant. The duct closed spontaneously, but at the age of 4 months the infant was readmitted for a resection of the duct. A review of the literature disclosed that 65 cases of patent omphalomesenteric duct have been reported in Japan. The male/female ratio was 2.8: 1. Ten out of 36 infants (27.8%) were premature. Surgery was performed in as many patients as possible—55 out of 59 cases (93.2%). The ducts averaged 3.8 cm in length and 1.1 cm in diameter. Errant gastric mucosa was found in 3 out of 30 cases (10.0%). Prolapse of the ileum was present in 28 out of 53 patients (52.8%)—a relatively high incidence. Ten out of 55 patients died (18.2%); 8 of these had a prolapse of the ileum. In view of the high mortality rate of patients with a prolapse of the ileum and the strong possibility of intestinal obstruction, patent omphalomesenteric ducts should be resected surgically.

This technique, which is continually being improved and evaluated, is simple, has a low risk of infection, preserves functions, and prevents deformity of the anal verge and perineum.

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