Urachal cyst

Urachal cyst
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Abdominal pain, urinary tract infection, fever, umbilical discharge
Complications	Infection, abscess, peritonitis, urachal carcinoma
Onset	Congenital, may present at any age
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Failure of the urachus to close during fetal development
Risks
Diagnosis	Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI
Differential diagnosis	Appendicitis, Meckel's diverticulum, omphalitis
Prevention
Treatment	Surgical excision, antibiotics for infection
Medication
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Urachal cyst is a condition that occurs when a part of the urachus remains open after birth. This can lead to the formation of a cyst, which is a sac filled with fluid. Urachal cysts are rare and are usually diagnosed in children or adults under the age of 30. They are more common in males than in females.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a urachal cyst can vary depending on the size and location of the cyst. Some people with a urachal cyst may not have any symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Abdominal pain
• A lump or mass in the lower abdomen
• Fever
• Urinary tract infection
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)

Causes

The exact cause of urachal cysts is not known. They are thought to be caused by a failure of the urachus to close completely before birth. This can lead to the formation of a cyst.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a urachal cyst is usually made based on the symptoms and a physical examination. Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or a computed tomography (CT) scan, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment for a urachal cyst usually involves surgery to remove the cyst. This can be done through a procedure called a laparoscopy, which involves making small incisions in the abdomen and using a camera to guide the surgery. In some cases, a larger incision may be needed to remove the cyst.

Prognosis

The prognosis for a person with a urachal cyst is generally good. Most people recover fully after surgery. However, there is a risk of complications, such as infection or bleeding, which can require further treatment.

See also

• Urachus
• Cyst
• Laparoscopy