After birth, infants are often troubled by diseases in the umbilical area. Once the umbilical cord falls off, the area is covered by granulation tissue, which can be overgrown by epidermal cells within a few days. During this period, the risk of infection is highest. To prevent infection, disinfectants such as triple dye or gentian violet can be used (povidone-iodine solution may cause thyroid issues in newborn screening and has been banned by the Department of Health), along with clean gauze dressing. If the umbilical area heals more slowly than usual and red granulation tissue appears at the base, it can be removed by ligation or cauterized with silver nitrate, allowing epidermal cells to grow within a few days. However, if ectopic intestinal membrane is discovered, indicating a connection between the fetal intestine and the umbilical area, silver nitrate cauterization should not be used. Instead, it is necessary to check whether the umbilical area is connected to the urinary tract, a condition known as patent urachus.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

1. Intermittent umbilical fistula disease. After injecting methylene blue into the bladder, blue fluid is discharged from the umbilical fistula, which can confirm the diagnosis.
2. Bladder contrast imaging can reveal the urachus.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

Urachal resection was performed after infection control.