Have you noticed that some babies have a little bit of moisture in their crotch area, sometimes a little liquid coming out? Or, do you still have pain in your lower abdomen after they grow up a little? Although these are things that we sometimes don't pay much attention to, there may be a small medical reason behind them. Today we are going to talk about one such condition. It is called 'Urachal Remnant'. The name may sound a little strange, but let's understand it simply.
What is this 'Urachal Remnant'?
Okay, to understand this, we need to go back a little bit to when the baby was in the mother's womb. Every fetus in the mother's womb has a temporary tube between the bladder (where urine collects) and the umbilical cord. This is called the 'urachus'. This is what helps urine pass through during the fetal period.
Usually, during the second trimester of pregnancy, this tube called the urachus gradually shrinks and becomes a small cord-like structure made of fibrous tissue. This is called the median umbilical ligament. This is present in the body throughout the life of a healthy person.
However, sometimes, even after the baby is born, a part of this tube called the 'urachus' remains without shrinking completely. That remaining tissue is called a 'urachal remnant'. Simply put, something that forms inside the womb and should disappear does not disappear properly, but remains.
How common is this condition?
It's hard to say exactly how common this is. However, doctors and researchers estimate that about 1% of children may have this condition. It's also said to be slightly more common in boys than girls.
Are there different types of this 'Euracal Remnant'?
Yes, there are several types of this remaining 'eurax' depending on how it is left. Let's see what they are:
- Completely open (Patent Urachus): This is when the tube from the bladder to the ureter is completely open. This means that some urine can leak out of the ureter.
- Urachal Cyst: In this, the tube is closed on both sides, and fluid collects in the middle, forming a small cyst (bubble). It may also contain tissue fragments.
- Open on the pelvic side, closed on the bladder side (Urachal Sinus): This is where the tube is open on the pelvic side, but closed on the bladder side. So, a discharge may sometimes come out of the pelvic side.
- Vesicourachal Diverticulum: In this, the tube is open to the bladder side, but closed to the navel. This creates a small pouch-like part of the bladder.
Now you probably understand that not everyone has this in the same way.
Do we really need to remove this 'Euracal Remnant'?
This is a problem that many people have. Some children and adults with a 'urachal remnant' can have problems . In such cases, doctors may decide that it is best to perform surgery to remove this remaining part.
However, not everyone's situation is the same. Some people can live without any problems. Therefore, a doctor will carefully examine you or your child to decide what is best. So don't worry.
Why does this 'Euracal Remnant' form?
In fact, experts still haven't figured out exactly why some babies have this 'urachal remnant' even after birth. Since it happens during the embryonic stage, it's hard to pinpoint a specific cause.
What are the symptoms of this?
In many cases, there may be no visible symptoms even if there is a 'urachal remnant'. Also, if symptoms do occur, they may vary depending on the type mentioned above.
- For newborn babies: Some babies may have a wet feeling around their belly button , and you should be concerned if it persists without drying out. You may even see urine drip.
- Older children and adults may see symptoms like:
- Fever.
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) (UTIs in children may be slightly different from UTIs in adults).
- Having pain in the lower abdomen.
- Pain and burning when urinating.
Imagine your little one constantly saying "Mommy, my stomach hurts," or crying when they urinate , or just having a fever. These could be signs of a condition like this.
How do you know this is a 'Euracal Remnant'?
Usually, doctors suspect this if a newborn baby has persistent discharge from the umbilical cord or other symptoms. However, most of the time, it is not diagnosed until complications occur, either in childhood or adulthood.
Doctors may accidentally discover a 'urachal remnant' while testing for something else. If they see something unusual, they do more tests to confirm it.
What kind of tests detect this?
Doctors usually do an ultrasound of your abdomen, bladder, and pelvic area to check for a urachal remnant. This is a very simple, painless test.
In some cases, doctors may also recommend a test called a 'Voiding Cystourethrogram' (VCUG). This test takes pictures (like an X-ray) of your urethra and bladder while you urinate. This can help to clearly see if there are any problems in this area.
What are the treatments for this?
The treatment for a 'urachal remnant' depends on the type and the symptoms you have.
- If you have an infection , your doctor may first prescribe antibiotics.
- If you have a urachal cyst (a fluid-filled lump), your doctor may be able to use a needle to drain the fluid. However, this is only a temporary solution. The fluid may build up again and cause symptoms.
In most cases, the most permanent solution is to have surgery to completely remove the urachal remnant. However, this decision is made based on many factors, including the patient's age and condition. Young children may not need surgery right away. Your child's doctor will explain to you the best treatment options, taking into account their long-term health and well-being.
Can we talk a little more about the surgery?
If surgery is decided, doctors will remove this 'urethral remnant' either through open surgery or laparoscopically.
In a 'laparoscopic' surgery, the surgeon performs the surgery through several very small incisions , using a camera and special instruments. This method has several advantages:
- The pain is less.
- Scarring is less.
- You can recover quickly.
- You can quickly get back to daily activities.
Remember, no matter what method of surgery is performed, it is done with your well-being and safety in mind.
Is there a way to prevent this 'uracular remnant' from forming?
As mentioned before, a 'urachal remnant' is formed because of something that happens during the embryonic stage. That is, something that happens while the baby is still in the mother's womb. Therefore, there is nothing we can do to prevent this. It is no one's fault.
Could this have long-term effects?
Sometimes, children and adults with a 'urachal remnant' can develop frequent infections . This is the main complication.
In addition, having a 'urachal remnant' is said to slightly increase the risk of developing a rare but more serious type of bladder cancer (urachal cancer) . However, this is very rare .So don't be unnecessarily afraid. Doctors are aware of this and are taking the necessary steps.
Can this condition come back after treatment?
If the 'urachal remnant' is completely removed in one surgery, there is usually no chance of complications or symptoms arising again. That is why surgery is often the best solution.
When should we see a doctor?
If you or your child has any of these symptoms, definitely see a doctor.
- Persistent pain in the lower abdomen.
- Difficulty, burning, and pain when urinating.
- If you get frequent urinary tract infections.
- If a newborn baby's navel continues to be wet or oozing.
When you see a doctor at a time like this, they will do the necessary tests. They may order an ultrasound to see if there is a 'urethral remnant'.
So, what are the things we need to remember from this?
A 'urachal remnant' is a part of the tube between the bladder and the rectum that remains during fetal development when it does not close properly. Most of the time, this is harmless, but in some people it can cause infections, pain, and even cancer.
The most important thing is to seek medical advice if you or your child have any of these symptoms, without ignoring them. The doctor will be the one who can give you the most information and, if necessary, decide on the best treatment. Surgery can completely cure this.
So, I hope this information is useful to you. Stay healthy!
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 Is urachal remnant a cancer that develops in the bladder?
No! This is not cancer, this is a piece of an old tube that was in the mother's womb. During pregnancy, the baby's urine goes to the mother through the umbilical cord (this tube is called the Urachus). This tube should close (contract) on its own before the baby is born. But when it doesn't close properly and a part remains, it is called this.
💬 Will pee come out of the baby's belly button if this tube is not closed properly?
Yes! If this tube (Patent Urachus) is completely open, the urine in the urethra will flow through this tube and 'leak' out of the baby's navel/belly button. Then the navel will always be wet. Sometimes, this tube may open only in the middle and form a water bladder (Urachal Cyst) inside the abdomen.
💬 What to do if urine leaks from the vagina?
This cannot be cured with medication. Because germs can enter through this hole and cause a serious infection, and there is also a small risk that it will turn into cancer if it gets bigger. Therefore, this extra piece of tube is definitely cut off with a small surgery (Laparoscopic surgery), and the kidney and bladder are closed.
` Urachal Remnant, Urethra, Urinary Tract Infection, Abdominal Pain, Child Health, Surgery
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