Patent urachus repair Health Article

Definition

Patent urachus repair is a surgery to close a defect of the bladder. The urachus is a tube that connects the bladder to the area where the umbiblical cord was removed (umbilicus). As the baby grows inside the womb, the urachus normally closes. When the urachus fails to close, the tube remains open (patent). This creates an abnormal opening between the bladder and area where the umbiblical cord was removed. The condition increases one's risk for bladder infections.

Description

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

Surgery is recommended for a patent urachus that does not close after birth.

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia are:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

Risks for any surgery are:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Additional risks include:

• Bladder infection
• Bladder leaks -- if this happens, a catheter is inserted and left in place until the bladder heals

Expectations after surgery

The outcome is usually excellent.

Convalescence

The infant can be fed normally and should recover rapidly. A few days of hospitalization is all that is usually required.