How is the urachus formed?
The urachus is an embryonic remnant resulting from involution of the allantoic duct and the ventral cloaca. Attaching the bladder dome to the umbilicus, the urachus should close during gestation. Failure of closure is not uncommon, the urachus being reported as present in up to 30% of adults.
Where is the urachus located?
The urachus is a canal that exists when the fetus is developing before birth. This canal runs from the bladder of the fetus to the belly button (umbilicus). It drains the urinary bladder of the fetus.
What is the function of urachus?
The urachus is a fibrous cord arising from the early fetal anterior bladder wall to the allantois, extending cranially to the umbilicus [1]. In the first trimester of gestation, the role of the urachus is to facilitate the removal of the neonate’s nitrogenous waste through the placenta via the umbilical cord [1].
What does urachus mean?
noun. ura·chus -kəs. : a cord of fibrous tissue extending from the bladder to the navel and constituting the functionless remnant of a part of the duct of the allantois of the embryo. Keep scrolling for more.
What is the urachus of the bladder?
The urachus or allantoic duct is a fetal structure that allows urine from the bladder to drain into the allantois through the umbilicus. After parturition and rupture of the umbilicus, the urachus retracts inside the abdomen and closes. It stays as a scar at the apex of the bladder (Fig.
What happens to urachus after birth?
Before birth, there is a canal between the belly button and the bladder called the urachus. In most cases this canal goes away before birth. But sometimes part of the urachus remains after birth. The urachus has no purpose after birth, so if it remains it can cause health problems.
Do adults have a urachus?
In the normal adult the urachus measures from 3 to 10 cm. in length and reaches only one third the distance from the apex of the bladder to the umbilicus, being attached at the umbilicus only by fibrous cords from the obliterated umbilical arteries.
What happens to the urachus?
The urachus, the canal that drains the urinary bladder through the umbilicus in the fetus, usually closes at birth or very soon after, atrophies, and scars to become the scar on the apex of the bladder.
Where does the urachus empty?
The urachus or allantoic duct is a fetal structure that allows urine from the bladder to drain into the allantois through the umbilicus. After parturition and rupture of the umbilicus, the urachus retracts inside the abdomen and closes.
Can urachal cause pain?
Occasionally urachal cysts can become infected and could cause abdominal pain or could start to leak cloudy or bloody fluid at the umbilicus. The average age for urachal cysts to present with an infection is 2-4 years old.
What is bladder urachus?
The urachus is a fibrous remnant of the allantois, a canal that drains the urinary bladder of the fetus that joins and runs within the umbilical cord. The fibrous remnant lies in the space of Retzius, between the transverse fascia anteriorly and the peritoneum posteriorly.
Is urachal cyst serious?
People can live comfortably with a urachal cyst their entire life without realizing it, as they usually don’t cause any problems. However, drainage from the cyst can cause discomfort or other symptoms. Infections can also occur. An infected urachal cyst can be a serious condition and needs immediate medical treatment.
Can urachal cysts disappear?
Summary. A Urachal cyst is a sac-like pocket of tissue that develops in the urachus, a structure that connects the umbilical cord to the bladder in the developing baby. Although it normally disappears prior to birth, part of the urachus may remain in some people.
Are urachal cysts cancerous?
Urachal cancer is a rare and aggressive form of cancer which arises from this remnant. A urachal cyst was discovered and conservative management was employed after a biopsy was negative for malignancy.
Can a urachal cyst rupture?
Infected urachal cysts with intraperitoneal rupture are often misdiagnosed as a common acute abdomen and result in emergency exploratory laparotomy. These patients should be managed by complete excision of the urachal remnant to prevent any malignant change occurring, as malignant changes have been reported.
Should a urachal cyst be removed?
Sometimes, an infected urachal cyst needs to be removed surgically. Surgery may be recommended if the cyst causes excessive draining, irritation, discomfort, and/or repeated infection.