Did you know about this amazing connection between our babies' kidneys and bladder? (Urachus)

Hello! Today we are going to talk about a surprising thing that plays a very important role in our body, especially when we are in our mother's womb as a fetus, but sometimes can cause small problems even in adulthood. We call this `(Urachus)`. Maybe you have not heard this word before. But don't worry, we will talk about everything about this very simply.

So what is this `(Urachus)`? To put it very simply...

Imagine, when a baby is in the womb, that is, as a fetus, there is a small channel, like a tube, between the baby's urinary bladder , or the bag that fills with urine , and the baby's navel/belly button. That's what we call the `(Urachus)`. This is a fibrous structure.

Its main function is to help expel urine (pee) produced by the fetus during the first trimester of pregnancy. Isn't that amazing?

What usually happens is that as the baby develops in the womb, often towards the end of the first three months, this ``Urachus`` channel closes on its own. After that, it just becomes like a fibrous band.

Are `(Urachus)` and `Pekaniyya` the same thing?

No, those are two. The `(urachus)` is the channel that helps urine pass out during the embryonic period. The umbilical cord is where the baby was attached to the mother's womb. A doctor cuts this umbilical cord after the baby is born. The baby gets oxygen and nutrition from the umbilical cord, and the urine from the `(urachus)` is excreted through the mother's placenta.

What is the function of `(Urachus)`?

As we mentioned earlier, in the early stages of the embryo, that is, in the first trimester, the `(urachus)` helps the fetus's urine pass through the umbilical cord to the mother's placenta for excretion. As the fetus grows, the bladder descends into the pelvis. Then this `(urachus)` stretches and becomes a small, fibrous band (median umbilical ligament). This is what usually happens.

Do adults also have `(Urachus)`?

In most adults, the urachus has already become a band called the median umbilical ligament. However, surprisingly, some studies suggest that up to 33% of adults may still have some urachus tissue left . However, many people are unaware of this, as it usually does not cause any problems or illness.

Do girls have this too? Yes, every fetus, regardless of gender, has the ``urachus''. Most of the time, it becomes the so-called ligament by the end of the first trimester.

Where is the `(Urachus)` located?

The `urachus` extends from the top of the fetal bladder, from the front part (dome) to the navel. It is like a thick tube, or cord. Sometimes it can be thin at both ends, or it can be wide at one end like a funnel. It can be from 1 to 15 centimeters (0.4 to 6 inches) long. That means it can be a little shorter than an aspirin tablet, or as long as a pen.

What tests are used to check if there is a problem with the `(urachus)`?

If a doctor thinks your baby may have a problem with the urachus, they will first order an ultrasound scan. This is a painless, easy test. It can look at the tissues and organs inside your baby. Sometimes they may also order an MRI scan. This is another painless imaging test.

Now, if a doctor suspects that the baby's ``urachus'' is completely open (patent urachus) and the fluid around the navel is coming from the bladder, they will test the fluid to see if it contains urea or creatinine . These are waste products that are usually excreted in the urine .

There is another test that can clearly see the tissue behind the baby's bladder, called a `(Voiding Cystourethrogram - VCUG)`. In this, a doctor injects a dye into the bladder through the urinary system . This `(VCUG)` test is very useful if there is a problem with the structure of the baby's bladder.

What is this `(Urachus)` remnant?

Simply put, a `(Urachus)` remnant `(Urachal remnant)` is a condition where the `(Urachus)` canal does not close properly. This is also called `(Urachal abnormality)`. There are different types of this:

• Patent urachus: This is when the urachus is not closed properly and is completely open. This can cause urine -like fluid to leak from the baby's navel . Or, there may be a moist area around the navel, possibly turning red, brown, or purple, and a small sore-like granuloma may form. Imagine, a newborn baby's navel is dripping urine , or the area is always wet... something like that.
• Urachal cyst: This is when the urachus does not close properly, forming a fluid-filled cyst between the baby's bladder and the urethra. Most of the time, there are no symptoms at first. However, if there is a bacterial infection , symptoms such as abdominal pain and blood or pus-like fluid coming from the urachus may occur.
• Urachal sinus:In this case, the ``Urachus`` does not close properly on the baby's umbilical cord, but rather on the bladder. This usually does not cause any symptoms. However, if a bacterial infection occurs, there may be abdominal pain and a discharge of blood or pus from the umbilical cord .
• Diverticulum: Here, the Urachus (a pouch-like structure) does not close properly on the baby's bladder. This often does not cause symptoms. However, sometimes, urine can get trapped in this pouch-like structure and cause Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) . Symptoms such as fever and pain during urination (Dysuria) may occur.

The most important thing is that if your baby's belly button is leaking any unusual fluid, or if the area is red, swollen, or painful, you should definitely see a doctor immediately.

What is Urachal cancer?

Urachal cancer is a very rare type of bladder cancer . It is most common in people over the age of 50 who have some remaining urachus tissue. Symptoms of urachal cancer may include:

• Blood in the urine (Hematuria)
• Mucinuria (mucus-like material in the urine )
• Bacteria in the urine (Bacteriuria)
• Stomach pain
• Abdominal mass

If you have these symptoms, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have urachus cancer, but it's best to see a doctor and get checked out.

What are the treatments for Urachus problems?

Don't worry, there are good treatments for many `(Urachus)` related problems.

• If your baby's navel area is constantly moist, your doctor may recommend a chemical cauterization procedure . This involves applying a small amount of a chemical, such as silver nitrate, to the area. The area usually heals within a few days. You may also need to take antibiotics .
• Antibiotics are also very effective for urachal cysts. In some cases, a doctor may need to use a needle to remove the fluid from the cyst. After the cyst heals, surgery may be performed to remove the urachus and any parts of the bladder that are attached to it, such as the top of the bladder.It can happen. Leaving the urachus tissue in place increases the risk of developing cancer, such as urachal cancer, infections, or bladder stones in the future. However, most people do not have any problems again after a doctor removes the urachus tissue.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

I hope you now have a better understanding of `(Urachus)`.

• `(Urachus)` is a channel that helps to excrete urine during the embryonic stage, but which later closes.
• Sometimes this can remain as a ``urachal remnant'' without closing properly, which can lead to things like fluid leaking from the bladder and infection.
• If you notice anything unusual about your baby's belly button, seek medical advice immediately .
• Many Urachus-related problems can be successfully treated.
• Urachal cancer is a very rare condition, but it's good to be aware of it.

Our bodies are truly amazing creations, aren't they? It's amazing how such small things can play such a big role. So, I hope this information is useful to you!

` Urethra, fetus, udder, bladder, urethra remnants, infant health, urinary tract infections