Umbilical granuloma: a new approach to an old problem

Umbilical granuloma (UG) is the most common umbilical abnormality in neonat es, causing inflammation and drainage. Most fail to epithelialize and persi st for more than 2 months. The common treatment is application of a 75% sil ver nitrate stick, usually repeated two to three times over a number of cli nic visits. Burns have been reported following spillage onto the surroundin g tissues. During a 10-year period, 302 neonates were treated for UG using excision and application of absorbable hemostatic materials. Healing was un eventful in all cases, and no complications have been encountered to date. This technique is simple, safe, and inexpensive, and obviates the need for repeated outpatient visits.