THE INFECTED URACHAL CYST - PRIMARY EXCISION VERSUS A STAGED APPROACH

Purpose: We compared outcomes following single or 2-stage repair of in fected urachal cysts in the pediatric population. Materials and Method s: We reviewed the records of 17 patients 1 day to 14 years old (media n age 22 months) with a urachal cyst. Immediate cyst excision was perf ormed in 6 patients without infection, while those with an abscess und erwent single or 2-stage repair. Results: Median postoperative hospita l stay for the urachal abscess group was 14 and 11.5 days for single a nd 8-stage procedures, respectively. After immediate excision postoper ative complications developed in each case, although none occurred wit h a 2-stage approach. Conclusions: In the absence of infection, uracha l cyst excision affords the most benign postoperative course. However, when infection is present, perioperative drainage with subsequent tot al excision, including a cuff of bladder, may offer the most effective surgical option.