Laparoscopic management of complicated urachal disease in children.

PURPOSE: The laparoscopic approach to the complete excision of urachal abnormalities in adults has recently been advocated by some groups but little has been reported in the pediatric literature. We highlight the need for the complete removal of symptomatic urachal remnants as well as the feasibility of the laparoscopic approach in children.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Four children 5 months, 4, 8 and 10 years old, respectively, who presented with complicated urachal disease underwent laparoscopic resection of urachal remnants. We describe the manner of presentation and surgical technique in these 4 cases.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic radical excision was successfully performed in all 4 cases with an uneventful convalescence.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience suggests that laparoscopic excision of urachal remnants can be safely and satisfactorily performed in children of all ages.