A urachal remnant is when the urachus doesn’t close between a fetus’s bladder and belly button. It’s a rare condition. Symptoms may include discomfort and frequent UTIs. It may also not have any symptoms. Healthcare providers diagnose it with imaging tests. Treatment depends on the type, but may include antibiotics, draining it or surgery.
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A urachal remnant is a tube between a fetus’s urinary bladder and belly button that may not close after birth. All fetuses have a urachus. During the first trimester of pregnancy, the fetus doesn’t have a fully formed urinary system. So, pee leaves the fetus through the urachus.
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During the second trimester, the urachus usually closes off and breaks down into a small cord of fibrous tissue. This is the median umbilical ligament. In many, it’s present throughout their lives, behind their belly buttons. In some cases, the urachus doesn’t close during fetal development. It remains after birth as a urachal remnant (pronounced YER-aye-kuhl REM-nant).
Experts don’t know exactly how many people have it. But they estimate it occurs in about 1% of children. When it does occur, it tends to affect males more than females.
A urachal remnant can lead to problems for some children and adults. Your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to remove it. But each person is different. Your provider will help you figure out what’s best for you or your child.
The main types of urachal remnants include:
In many cases, a urachal remnant doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. But if your child has symptoms, they may include:
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Yes. A urachal remnant may cause lower abdominal pain. It may also hurt when you pee.
Experts aren’t sure why some people have a urachal remnant. But it’s important to remember you didn’t do anything wrong during pregnancy to cause it. It happens without any explanation.
Having a urachal remnant increases the risk of developing urachal cancer. Urachal cancer is a very rare but aggressive type of bladder cancer. Removing a urachal remnant removes that risk.
In most cases, if your child has a urachal remnant and doesn’t have any symptoms, their healthcare provider won’t recommend monitoring it. That’s because the risk of cancer is so low.
Healthcare providers usually diagnose a urachal remnant in children who have symptoms. Sometimes, providers discover it while doing tests for another condition in the area. To confirm a diagnosis, they may recommend imaging tests such as:
In some cases, your child’s provider may also recommend a VCUG. This test takes pictures of your child’s urinary system while they’re peeing. It helps providers see any problems in the area.
Treatment depends on the type of urachal remnant your child has. It also depends on their symptoms. If your child has an infection, your healthcare provider may first prescribe antibiotics.
If your child has a urachal cyst and an infection, their provider may temporarily drain it with a needle. Draining it isn’t a permanent solution. Symptoms may return.
Your child may need surgery to remove a urachal remnant. This depends on their age and the severity of their symptoms. Your child’s healthcare provider will review the treatment options with you. They’ll recommend the best one for your child’s long-term health.
If your child needs surgery, healthcare providers usually recommend laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that uses smaller cuts (incisions). It usually causes less pain and scarring. It’s often a quicker recovery and less pain, too.
They may also perform open surgery. During open surgery, they use a knife (scalpel) to make one long cut in the belly. Open surgery is usually more painful and has a longer recovery.
Schedule an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider if you notice urachal remnant symptoms.
During your appointment, you may wish to ask:
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The outlook for a urachal remnant is very good. In a few cases, healthcare providers recommend surgery to remove it. A urachal remnant won’t come back after surgery. There shouldn’t be any returning symptoms, and the risk of complications is low.
Though a urachal remnant is rare and may not cause problems, it can be stressful learning that something didn’t form as expected during fetal development. Especially if it causes symptoms or increases your child’s risk of complications.
But remember, you didn’t do anything to cause a urachal remnant. Sometimes, the urachus doesn’t close, and experts aren’t sure why. If you have any questions, reach out to a healthcare provider. They can recommend the best treatment option for you or your child.
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Cleveland Clinic's health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability, and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cleveland Clinic's health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability, and up-to-date clinical standards.
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