Buried umbilicus: an iatrogenic cause of a discharging umbilical wound
Mendis, D.; Pohl, M.J.
Acta Chirurgiae Plasticae 49(1): 19-20
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5423 PMID: 17469441 Document Number: 609252
We report on a patient who had a previous abdominoplasty with umbilical reconstruction. The patient presented one-year postoperatively with periumbilical cellulitis. This was felt to be due to a retained stitch, which when removed improved the patient's symptoms. However, a further recurrence prompted a surgical exploration, which demonstrated that the original umbilicus had been left in place and buried. This was corrected and the patient has had no further problems at subsequent follow-up. This case presents an iatrogenic cause of a discharging umbilicus; it is reported in context with the differential diagnoses, which should be considered for an infected umbilicus.