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Research & Innovation
It starts with a Q:
For the latest cutting-edge research, innovative collaborations and remarkable discoveries in child health, read stories from across all our areas of study in Q: Advances and Answers in Pediatric Health.
Urology
Urachal Problems - Abscesses, Cysts, Sinuses and Remnants
We specialize in the big things, the small things and everything in between.
What is the urachus?
The urachus is a channel between the bladder (which stores urine) and the umbilicus (belly button) in a developing fetus. Urine drains from the fetus via this channel in the first trimester of fetal development. The urachus usually closes by the 12th week of gestation, leaving a small fibrous cord between the bladder and the belly button.
What causes urachal problems or urachal abnormalities?
Urachal problems, also known as urachal abnormalities, occur when the urachus does not close normally during fetal development. This can cause issues such as:
- Urachal remnant: The channel does not close at all. If the channel is open from the umbilicus to the bladder, it is called a patient urachus.
- Urachal sinus: The urachus does not close at the umbilicus, leading to an open tract from the umbilicus to the urachus that should be closed.
- Urachal cyst: The urachus channel closes at both the bladder and the umbilicus but leaves a cyst (fluid-filled sac) in the middle portion of the channel.
- Urachal abscess: A urachal sinus or cyst may get infected.
Why choose us to treat urachal problems?
At Children’s Colorado, all we do is care for kids. Our whole team, from pediatric surgeons to nurses and anesthesiologists, has special training in keeping kids safe and making them feel comfortable. We use special equipment made just for children and pediatric anesthesiology helps them feel better and go home sooner, so they can get back to being kids again.
What are the signs and symptoms of urachal problems?
Some children may not have any symptoms. In these cases, the urachal problem is found when your child’s doctor performs imaging tests for another reason. When signs of urachal problems do occur, they include:
- Drainage (clear or pus) from the belly button
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Abnormal appearance of the belly button, including a lump and redness
What tests are used to diagnose urachal problems?
The first step in diagnosing a urachal problem is a thorough review of medical history and a physical exam by your child’s doctor.
Your child’s doctor may also order a blood test to look for signs of infection, but urachal problems are typically diagnosed with imaging exams such as:
- Abdominal ultrasound,
- Cystogram, which uses a catheter to insert dye into the bladder to see if a urachus is present
- Computer tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
How are urachal problems treated?
If the urachus is infected, your child will take antibiotic medication by mouth or intravenously (through a vein in the arm) and may have an abscess drained. Once the infection is treated, your child’s surgeon will remove the urachal sinus, cyst or remnant so the infection does not come back.
Helpful resources
The Urology Care Foundation supports and improves urological care by funding research, developing patient education and pursuing philanthropic support, worldwide.
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