Umbilicoplasty as a Treatment for Persistent Umbilical Infection

Persistent umbilical infection is often associated with a deeply recessed umbilical scar. œdema with stenosis of the umbilical rim impedes natural drainage and favours accumulation of desquamated cells and foreign bodies such as cloth fibres and dust. Conservative treatment of persistent umbilical infection when associated with a recessed umbilical scar is usually ineffective. An operation is described which obliterates the deep recess and preserves a natural-looking umbilicus. Sixteen such patients operated on were cured of a persistent umbilical infection.