Surgical implications of urachal remnants: Presentation and management

Abstract

Background/purpose: The abdominal manifestations of urachal remnants often prompt referral to the pediatric general surgeon. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the authors' management of this anomaly.

Methods: The authors performed a retrospective review of patients presenting to their institution with urachal remnants between 1984 and 2001. Clinical and radiographic details of presentation, management, and outcomes are described.

Results: Twenty-six patients presented at a median age of 4 years (range, 2 days to 12 years), 16 were boys, and 18 required inpatient care. Eleven (42%) presented with infection, 7 (27%) with clear drainage, 3 (12%) with umbilical polyps/granulation, 3 (12%) with pain, one (4%) with recurrent urinary tract infections, and one (4%) with an asymptomatic punctum. One had an associated anomaly (hypospadias). Urinalysis and urine cultures did not correlate with infection. Ultrasound scan was diagnostic in greater than 90% of cases. Overall, 20 patients underwent primary cyst excision, and 6 underwent incision and drainage (I&D) with delayed excision. Five patients underwent primary excision while infected, and 2 had postoperative complications (wound infection and urine leak). All 6 patients who underwent 2-stage procedure initially presented with infection, and none had complications.

Conclusions: Persistent urachal remnants can present at any age with a variety of clinical manifestations. Ultrasound scan is a reliable diagnostic tool. Additional diagnostic studies generally are not warranted. Simple excision of noninfected lesions is appropriate. In cases of acute infection, initial I&D with delayed cyst excision may be preferable to avoid unnecessary complications.