Abstract
The urachus forms in early embryonic life as a tubular communication between the bladder lumen and the allantois. After birth the bladder descends and the urachus undergoes varying degrees of regression during which its lumen normally closes. Various diseases may affect the urachus. Their symptoms, signs, and pathologic anatomy are reviewed. A common feature of these conditions is partial reopening of the lumen of the regressive urachus. The distinction between congenital and acquired urachal diseases is made. Five cases of acquired urachal disease, observed in a department of abdominal surgery, are reported. It is emphasized that the symptoms and signs were suggestive of acute abdominal conditions caused by intra-abdominal diseases. Acquired urachal disease, causing a true acute abdominal condition, elicited by supervening complications, is described on the basis of the literature and the present series. Therapeutic principles are discussed, taking into account the possibility of malignant degeneration of the urachus and the high recurrence rate in acquired urachal disease.
Published Version
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