Patent urachus

During fetal development the urachus is a tube that connects the bladder to the umbilicus. After birth, the urachus normally closes and becomes a ligament. If the urachus remains open, surgery is recommended so that bacteria or infection cannot be introduced into the bladder.

Review Date: 1/1/2023
Reviewed By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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