Resection of Omphalomesenteric Duct Remnant

Abstract

This chapter describes the surgical procedure for resection of omphalomesenteric duct remnant as performed by the following approach: open. Embryologically, the omphalomesenteric duct (or vitelline duct) is a connective tube between the yolk sac and the midgut lumen in the fetus. Diagnosis of a persistent omphalomesenteric duct remnant is typically made in infancy in an otherwise healthy baby presenting with drainage or stool emanating from the umbilicus or, occasionally, prolapsed mucosa. Diagnosis can be confirmed with fistulography or ultrasound. Key steps include cannulation of the remnant duct at the umbilicus, dissection of duct free from the fascial edges, evisceration of the attached bowel, and excision of the remnant duct at the base.