Urachal fistula presenting as umbilical sepsis: a rare case in an adult male.

BACKGROUND

Urachal anomalies are rare normally presenting during childhood. They are difficult to diagnose and surgical treatment is always needed to prevent recurrence.

CASE REPORT: A 28 year old male presented with a red tender umbilical swelling that was confused with an umbilical hernia. The correct diagnosis of a urachal fistula was reached after performing a CT scan. The patient was initially treated with oral antibiotics and complete surgical excision of the fistulous tract was carried out at a later stage after controlling the infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Staged resection is the treatment of choice in urachal anomalies associated with sepsis. Surgical excision of the urachal remnant is necessary to prevent recurrence.