Congenital hernia of the cord and associated patent omphalomesenteric duct: a frequent neonatal problem?

Six neonates with hernia of the umbilical cord (HUC) and associated patent omphalomesenteric duct (POMD) were treated in our hospital in a 10-year period and are reported in order to emphasize the potential hazard of clamping the bowel at the time of the handling of the umbilicus. Any unusual thickening of the base of the cord along with even the most minute fistula opening to its side should alert the physician to the existence of these combined anomalies. The cord in such patients must be clamped a safe distance away and early pediatric surgical consultation must be contemplated. Obstetricians, pediatricians, and nurses who customarily clamp, manipulate, or shorten the cord in the delivery room or upon arrival in the nursery should be aware of this not-so-rare combination of anomalies of the umbilical cord and the intestines.