Randomised clinical trial in umbilical sepsis: A comparative analysis of postoperative outcomes of umbilectomy and umbilicus-retaining procedure

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyse the postoperative outcomes between umbilectomy and the umbilicus-retaining procedure in patients presenting with umbilical sepsis. Patients presenting to the surgical clinic with umbilical sepsis were randomised into two groups of 25 patients each based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Postoperative factors such as pain score, wound infection, recurrence, hospital stay, and cosmetic satisfaction were analysed during follow-up. The parameters observed were statistically analysed using the chi-square test. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age at surgery in both groups was similar (48 vs. 49, p=0.9191). Based on the pain score after surgery, there is a significant difference (p=0.0183) between the two groups, with higher pain reported in patients undergoing the umbilicus-retaining procedure. Considering wound infection as a parameter, the statistical significance is less (p= 0.096). Hospital stay was observed in both groups, and there were no significant differences (p=0.7055). The study population consisted of 23 men and 27 women. Cosmetic satisfaction of patients was assessed, and no statistical significance was found (p=0.644) between the two groups, irrespective of gender. Recurrence of symptoms was observed more in the group where the umbilicus is retained (p=0.0073). Considering all the parameters and their statistical significance, it is concluded that postoperative outcomes were comparable in both groups of patients. The results of this study provide insights for surgeons into the concept of retaining or removing the umbilicus and its impact on postoperative morbidity of patients presenting with umbilical sepsis