Umbolith: a cause of umbilical discharge and omphalitis

Excerpt

A 32-year-old hairy male presented to the out-patient clinic with complaints of pain and foul-smelling bloody discharge from umbilicus of 2 weeks duration. There was no history of any foreign body insertion, systemic symptoms or a similar history in the past. On examination, the umbilicus was deep with periumbilical cellulitis, edema and a foul-smelling bloody discharge. On probing, a ‘stony hard foreign body’ was felt. It was gently separated all around and was scooped out (Fig. 1) and was found to be an umbolith. The underlying abscess was drained and unhealthy tissue debrided. Local antibiotic cream (Fusidic Acid 2 %) was applied and prescribed. Pus culture grew Staphylococcus aureus which was sensitive to Fusidic Acid. Patient was advised on good personal hygiene and made an uneventful recovery and is well now.

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