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Definition Return to top
Patent urachus repair is a surgery to close a defect of the bladder. The urachus is a tube that connects the bladder to the umbilicus during fetal development.
After birth, the urachus normally closes and becomes a ligament. When the urachus fails to close after birth, the tube remains open (patent). This leaves an abnormal opening between the bladder and the umbilicus and increases the possibility of introducing bacteria and infection into the bladder.
Description Return to top
While the child is unconscious and pain-free (using general anesthesia), an incision is made in the lower abdomen. The urachus is located and removed from the umbilicus and the bladder. The bladder opening is repaired, and the incision is closed.
Indications Return to top
Surgery is recommended for a patent urachus that does not close after birth.Risks Return to top
Risks for any anesthesia are:Expectations after surgery Return to top
The outcome is usually excellent.Convalescence Return to top
The infant can be fed normally and should recover rapidly. A few days of hospitalization is all that is usually required. Update Date: 5/4/2004 Updated by: Scott M. Gilbert, M.D., Department of Urology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |