Complexities of an uncomplicated symptom: two cases of umbilical discharge.

A 10-year-old boy presented with a low volume feculent umbilical discharge associated with fever and anorexia. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a complex fistula communicating with multiple small bowel loops and extensive peritoneal nodules with caseous mesenteric lymph nodes; suggestive of abdominal tuberculosis. Fistulectomy, adhesiolysis and a diversion jejunostomy were done and antituberculosis therapy was started. A 20-year-old man presented with serous umbilical discharge, having a history of similar complaints in his infancy. While he was being investigated, he developed peritonitis and had to be operated on emergency basis. An umbilical sinus connected with a fibrous band to Meckel diverticulum and a proximal closed loop small bowel obstruction perforation were found. Resection and anastomosis of the affected segment were done, and the patient recovered well. © BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2020. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.