Delayed separation of an appendix-containing umbilical stump.

A case of delayed separation of the umbilical cord is reported. Ultrasonography and radiographic examination of the stump showed connection with the bowel. During surgery the cord was found to contain the appendix. The authors hypothesize that this anomaly represents a small omphalocele, resulting from failure of the gut to withdraw completely from the umbilical cord, or, less likely, a hernia.