Introduction

In utero, the umbilicus is a vital conduit between the placenta and fetus and directly impacts the development of the intestine and urinary systems. After delivery its importance diminishes to the role of a potential site of neonatal vascular access. Disorders of the umbilicus are either acquired (granuloma), infectious (omphalitis, phlebitis), neoplastic (teratoma, sarcoma) or congenital (hernia, omphalomesenteric and urachal abnormalities, dysmorphology). Congenital abnormalities predominate in children although granulomas are very common in infants.

see also Umbilical Hernia

Content in these topics is referenced in SCORE Umbilical Hernia and Other Umbilical Disorders overview