Resolving umbilical granuloma

An umbilical granuloma is a red or yellowish pea-sized lump on baby's navel (umbilicus). It is one of the most common problems with the navel in newborn babies, and it usually occurs in the first weeks after birth.

Umbilical granuloma usually occurs immediately after the umbilical stump falls off, when the outside of the navel heals and gets covered with new layers of skin. If this process does not complete fully, ie. the navel does not get covered with new layers of skin, granulomas occur.

Umbilical granuloma is resolved through two methods of treatment, depending on its size, which are: ligation and lapping.

Ligation is a method used for smaller granulomas, and involves the application of silver nitrate until the granuloma gradually recedes. The procedure requires 3 to 6 visits to the doctor.

Lapping is a one-time procedure used for larger granulomas, and involves tying a surgical suture where the granuloma connects to the navel. This interrupts the blood flow to the granuloma, after which it dries and falls off.

Both procedures are painless. After a successful medical intervention, the baby is discharged for home treatment with a scheduled check-up, and advice is given to parents on how to take care of the baby's navel during the recovery period.

MD Irena Maric

The author of this text is a specialist in pediatric surgery and a subspecialist in urology. She obtained her professional degrees in prominent regional and international institutions. Her career dedicated to treating children at the highest level of quality was built in children's clinics throughout the region, Europe and the USA, including the Clinical Center of Montenegro, Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and the Anderson Center of Excellence in Cincinnati, USA.