Diagnosis and Management of Urachal Anomalies in Children

Pediatric Urachal Anomalies: Monocentric Experience and Mini-Review of Literature

Background: Surgery is the current mainstay for the treatment of urachal anomalies (UA). Recent literature data support the theory of a spontaneous resolution within the first year of life. The aim of this study, comprising solely surgically treated children, was to identify age specific patterns regarding symptoms and outcomes that may support the non-surgical treatment of UA. Methods: Retrospective review on the clinico-laboratory characteristics of 52 children aged < 17 years undergoing resection of symptomatic UA at our pediatric surgical unit during 2006–2017. Data was dichotomized into age > 1 (n = 17) versus < 1 year (n = 35), and complicated (pre-/post-surgical abscess formation or peritonitis, n = 10) versus non-complicated course (n = 42). Results: Children aged < 1 year comprised majority (67%) of cohort and had lower complication rates (p = 0.062). Complicated course at surgery exclusively occurred in patients aged > 1 year (p = 0.003). Additionally, complicated group was older (p = 0.018), displayed leukocytosis (p < 0.001) and higher frequencies regarding presence of abdominal pain (p = 0.008) and abdominal mass (p = 0.034) on admission. Regression analysis identified present abdominal pain (OR (95% CI), 11.121 (1.152–107.337); p = 0.037) and leukocytosis (1.435 (1.070–1.925); p = 0.016) being associated with complicated course. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that symptomatic disease course follows an age-dependent complication pattern with lower complication rates at age < 1 year. Larger, studies have to clarify, if waiting for spontaneous urachal obliteration during the first year of life comprises a reasonable alternative to surgery.

Conservative management of urachal anomalies

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends in management of urachal anomalies at our institution and the safety of nonoperative care.

METHODS

Based on our experience managing urachal remnants from 2000 to 2010 (reported in 2012), we adopted a more conservative approach, including preoperative antibiotic use, refraining from using voiding cystourethrograms (VCUG), postponing surgery until at least six months of age, and considering nonoperative management. A retrospective analysis of urachal anomaly cases was conducted (2011-2016) to assess trends in practice. Charts indicating anomalies of the urachus were pulled and trends in management (nonoperative versus surgical treatment), VCUG and antibiotic use, and outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

Data from 2000-2010 and 2013-2016 were compared. Our findings indicate care has shifted towards nonoperative management. A smaller proportion of patients from 2013-2016 was treated surgically compared to 2000-2010. Patients receiving nonoperative treatment exhibited lower rates of complication relative to surgically managed cases. VCUGs were eliminated as a diagnostic tool for evaluating urachal anomalies. Prophylactic preoperative antibiotic use was standardized. No patients with a known urachal remnant presented later with an abscess or sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

We find that a shift towards nonoperative treatment of urachal anomalies did not adversely affect overall outcomes. We recommend observing minimally symptomatic patients, especially those under six months old.

STUDY TYPE

Performance improvement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.