Urachal Anomalies in Children

ABSTRACT

Failure of the urachus to regress completely results in anomalies that may be classified as patent urachus, urachal sinus, urachal cyst and bladder diverticula. The presenting symptoms of children with urachal anomalies are variable and uniform guidelines for diagnosis and treatment are lacking. The purpose of this study was to elucidate our conclusions regarding the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of urachal anomalies by reviewing our experiences. We retrospectively analyzed the records of 32 patients who were admitted for urachal anomalies from March 1995 to February 2005. The age distribution of these patients at presentation ranged from 1 day to 14 years old (median age 1 month) and they included 20 boys and 12 girls. The 32 cases comprised 13 cases of urachal sinus (40.6%), 10 urachal cyst (31.3%), and 9 patent urchus (28.1%). The presenting symptoms were umbilical discharge (14 patients), umbilical granuloma (8), abdominal pain and fever (3), fever (3), abdominal pain (2), and a low abdominal mass (2). In 30 patients ultrasonography was used for diagnosis and 2 patients with patent urachus were explored without using a diagnostic method. Twenty-three patients were confirmed by ultrasonography alone and 7 patients were examined using additional modalities, namely, computed tomography for 2 patients with an urachal cyst, magnetic resonance imaging for 1 patient with an urachal cyst, and fistulography for 3 patients with an urachal sinus. Excision was performed in 29 patients, and 3 patients were conservatively managed. Urachal anomalies in children most frequently presented in neonates, and the most common complaint was umbilical discharge with infection. Urachal anomalies can be diagnosed by a good physical examination and an appropriate radiographic test, and ultrasound was found the most useful diagnostic method. Complete surgical excision of an urachal anomaly is recommended to avoid recurrence, and even, though rare, carcinoma development.