Abstract
The epithelial tubular structure located in the midline that spreads from the anterosuperior part of the bladder to the umbilicus is called Urachus. It connects the apex of the urinary bladder with the allantois in the fetus. When the urachal tract is not obliterated completely during embryonic development, urachal abnormalities occurs which include bladder diverticulum, urachal cyst, umbilical polyp, or patent urachus. This is the case report of a 40 year old woman who presented to the OP with abdominal pain over umbilical region for 2 weeks and foul smelling purulent discharge from the umbilicus for 1week. Physical examination and radiological investigations revealed umbilical abscess. On exploration abscess was drained and a striated structure was present between the bladder and the umbilicus and it is found to be the patent urachus. Patent urachus and other congenital urachal anomalies in adulthood are rare. Often it present as acute abdominal pain which may be inconspicuous. So it may cause many diagnostic problems. The patient’s clinical history and thorough physical examination are important for the correct diagnosis. It is crucial to have an understanding of the embryology, anatomy, presentation, and relevant investigations for these anomalies.
Keywords: Abdominal Pain, Patent Urachus
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Corresponding Author
Dr R. Jayavarmaa
Dept of General Surgery, Rajah Muthiah medical college,
Annamalai University, Chidambaram – 608002
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