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Updated: May 16, 2026

Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision and Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy in Adults
Published on: February 28, 2025
Infected urachal cyst secondary to a Crohn's enterourachal fistula
Lindsay L Hollander1, Eric D Girard, Kimberly A Ruscher
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT 06106, USA.
Abstract:
Enterourachal fistulas are exceedingly rare in Crohn's patients. We report a case of a presumed enterourachal fistula that led to an infected urachal cyst. Preoperative medical treatment obliterated the fistula and avoided the need to resect bowel at the time of operation. We recommend consideration of this diagnosis in a Crohn's patient with a midline abdominal mass.
Insights
Enterourachal fistulas are rare in Crohn's disease patients. Medical treatment successfully closed a fistula, avoiding surgery for a midline abdominal mass.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Urology
- Surgical Case Report
Background:
- Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition.
- Enterourachal fistulas are rare complications.
Observation:
- A case of a presumed enterourachal fistula in a Crohn's patient is presented.
- The fistula led to an infected urachal cyst, presenting as a midline abdominal mass.
Findings:
- Preoperative medical management effectively obliterated the enterourachal fistula.
- This non-surgical approach successfully treated the condition, avoiding bowel resection.
Implications:
- Suggests considering enterourachal fistula in Crohn's patients with midline abdominal masses.
- Highlights the potential for medical therapy to manage such rare fistulas in CD.
- Emphasizes conservative management to avoid surgical morbidity in complex cases.
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