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[Patent urachus in childhood]
Insights
Surgical treatment for patent urachus in children is generally safe and effective. Complete removal of the urachus is recommended to prevent recurrence, ideally when not actively infected.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Urology
- Developmental Biology
Context:
- The urachus is a remnant of the allantois, connecting the fetal bladder to the umbilicus.
- Patent urachus anomalies require surgical intervention, particularly in infants and children.
- This study reviews 20 years of surgical cases at a Hungarian pediatric hospital.
Purpose:
- To analyze surgical outcomes for patent urachus in pediatric patients.
- To discuss the embryology and pathology of urachal anomalies.
- To emphasize best practices for surgical management.
Summary:
- Twelve pediatric patients underwent surgery for partial or total patent urachus between 1971 and 1990.
- Most surgeries were successful with minimal complications; one case of recanalization was noted.
- Radical excision of the urachus is crucial, preferably in a non-acute phase, potentially after drainage if infected.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of complete urachal excision for successful treatment.
- Provides insights into managing patent urachus in a pediatric surgical setting.
- Informs pediatric surgeons and urologists on optimal surgical timing and technique.
Abstract:
Over the past 20 years (1971-1990) 12 infants and children have been treated surgically for a partial or totally patent urachus in the Surgical Unit of the University Children's Hospital of Pécs, Hungary. This anomaly is of special interest to pediatric surgeons, general surgeons, urologists, paediatricians. After a short survey of the embryology and pathology of the urachus, the authors analysed their material. All but one of their patients underwent surgery without serious complications. In a 6-year-old girl the urachus recanalized following shrinkage of the bladder. The authors emphasize the need of radical removal of the partial or totally patent urachus, however, this extirpation should be carried out in a froid state, frequently following incision and drainage of the suppurating urachus.