Minimally invasive removal of urachal remnants in childhood

OBJECTIVES: Urachal remnants are rare congenital anomalies generally treated with open surgery. In the last decade laparoscopic treatment of these anomalies became more frequent. The Authors report their experience about minimally invasive treatment of remnants. METHODS: Four children with urachal remnants underwent minimally invasive surgery. Two children with infected urachal cysts underwent delayed laparoscopic assisted excision. In the others two patients with urachal cysts diagnosed incidentally the excision of the remnant was performed laparoscopically. RESULTS: In all cases the excision of remnants was accomplished easily. Operative time ranged from 40 to 90 minutes. Intra- or post-operative complications and recurrences did not occur and the cosmetic results were very good. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive surgery for urachal remnants is reliable, diagnostic and therapeutic at the same time. In case of complicated urachal cysts the delayed laparoscopic assisted treatment ensure a minimally invasive surgery with a single anesthesia.