Objective: To determine the utility of different diagnostic imaging techniques in diverticulum of the urachus and discuss the approach in the incidentally discovered cases such as those detected due to infectious complications.
Methods/results: We reviewed the literature, with special reference to the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of diverticula of the urachus. A case that presented with urinary infection and omphalitis, with the characteristic radiological findings, that resolved after surgical treatment and previous antibiotic therapy, is also described.
Conclusions: Ultrasound is useful in the initial evaluation of patients with signs of periumbilical inflammation. If a urachal diverticulum is diagnosed, retrograde cystourethrography should be performed to rule out associated genitourinary pathology or lower urinary tract obstruction. In cases discovered incidentally, we underscore the importance of elective surgery to excise the diverticulum since it could progress to malignancy. In cases with infectious complications, bladder catheterization and antibiotic treatment before performing subsequent elective surgery offer advantages over primary excision. For young patients, we advocate performing the Pfannenstiel incision. This approach offers excellent visualization and exposure of the entire urachus with a minimum surgical scar.