RESUMEN
Urachal anomalies occur infrequently, but may be associated with morbidity, particularly when the diagnosis has been delayed. We retrospectively reviewed our institution's experience over a 10-year and 7-month period in the investigation and management of suspected urachal anomalies. There were 25 children between November 1995 and June 2006, who presented with a suspected urachal anomaly. The mean age was 12 months (range 3 days to 13 years); 14 were male. Presentations included granulomatous polyp (16), umbilical discharge (4), umbilical sepsis (2) and abdominal pain (2). One case was diagnosed incidentally during a renal ultrasound scan (US). The main investigative tool was US (10), followed by micturating cystourethrogram (2). Of the 25 children, 12 had a patent urachus confirmed by subsequent further imaging or surgery. Our review suggests that whilst clinical examination remains important in the management of a child presenting with a possible urachal pathology, in 36% of the cases the correct diagnosis was only made with further radiological imaging or at operation. Surgical excision was effective with no morbidity or mortality.