Patent urachus repair

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Patent urachus

Patent urachus repair is surgery to repair a bladder defect. In an open (or patent) urachus, there is an opening between the bladder and the umbilicus. This opening almost always closes before birth. An open urachus occurs mostly in infants.

Patent urachal tube repair

Children who have this surgery will receive general anesthesia (they are asleep and pain-free).

The surgeon will make a surgical cut in the child's lower belly. Next, the surgeon will find the urachal tube and remove it. The bladder opening will be repaired, and the cut will be closed.

The surgery can also be done with a laparoscope, an instrument that has a tiny camera and light on the end.

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• The surgeon will make three small surgical cuts in the child's belly. The surgeon will insert the laparoscope through one of these cuts and other tools through the other cuts.
• The surgeon uses the tools to remove the urachal tube and close off the bladder and area where the tube connects to the umbilicus.

This surgery can be done in children as young as 6 months.

Surgery is recommended for a patent urachus that does not close after birth. If the urachal tube is not removed and closed:

• Your child has a higher risk for urinary tract infections.
• Your child has a higher risk for cancer of the urachal tube later in life.
• The urachus may also continue to leak urine.

The surgeon may ask for your child to have:

• A complete medical history and physical exam
• Kidney ultrasound
• Sinogram of the urachus. In this procedure, a radio-opaque dye called contrast is injected into the urachal opening and x-rays are taken.
• Ultrasound of the urachus
• VCUG (voiding cystourethrogram), a special x-ray to make sure the bladder is working

Always tell your child's doctor or nurse:

• What drugs your child is taking. Include drugs, herbs, vitamins, or any other supplements you bought without a prescription.
• About any allergies your child may have to medicine, latex, tape, or skin cleaner.