Urachal Remnant

Usually seen in infancy and early childhood, urachal remnant occurs when the urachus, or tube connecting the bladder to the umbilicus during fetal development, fails to close.

Causes:

During the 4th – 5th month of fetal development, the urachus usually closes. If it does not, 3 things can happen:

1. Urachal cyst – Occurs in 30% of cases. The urachus closes without an opening to the bladder, developing a residual sac, or cyst, underneath the umbilicus.
2. Urachal sinus – The urachus partially closes, but the remainder of the tube opens to the umbilicus and/or to the bladder.
3. Patent urachus – Occurs in 50% of cases. A communication between the bladder and umbilicus remains, called a fistula.

Symptoms:

• Thin, light yellow, watery discharge from the umbilicus
• If a cyst, can present as a tender, swollen mass at the umbilicus. Often gets infected.
• If a sinus or patent fistula, urine can drain from the umbilicus.

Problems that can occur from urachal remnants:

• Infection
• Slight risk of cancer

Treatment:

Surgical removal of the entire urachal cyst and/or tract.