Distinct presentations and management of hernia of the umbilical cord: 15 years’ experience in a tertiary hospital

Abstract

Background Hernia of the umbilical cord (HUC) is an uncommon type of abdominal wall defect characterized by a hernia of the midgut into the proximal section of the umbilical cord. This is occasionally coupled with other congenital abnormalities. This is frequently misdiagnosed and referred to as “omphalocele minor.” In certain cases, unintentional cord clamping causes iatrogenic intestinal harm. The purpose of this retrospective study is to highlight various aspects of the HUC therapy in 30 patients with typical and unusual presentations in a tertiary care facility as well as intraoperative findings and associated abnormalities. Methods Thirty neonates (21 males and 9 females) with usual and unusual presentations of HUC diagnosed and treated at the King Abdelaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, over 15 years period from 2005 to 2020. Results Out of 30 cases included, 17 patients were reducible with simple classical HUC repair. While 13 patients had different presentations, six cases presented with irreducible content due to variable reasons, four cases presented with patent vitellointestinal duct (PVID), 2 cases presented with intestinal obstruction, and one case presented late with epithelialized HUC sac. Conclusions Attention to HUC should be paid by obstetric professionals in order not to miss it on antenatal ultrasound and careful umbilical cord examination at delivery to avoid clamping of visceral content if present in HUC.