The urachus is an embryonic tube that connects the fetal bladder to the placenta. Normally, the urachus undergo complete atrophy and is non-functional at birth.
Urachal anomalies (UA) result from failure of the urachus to undergo complete atrophy by the time of birth
A patent (or persistent) urachus occurs when the urachal canal remains functionally patent between the bladder and the umbilicus.
Urine evacuates through both the umbilicus and the urethra.
If urachal atrophy is incomplete, there may be a vesicourachal diverticulum, urachal cyst, or a patent urachus from the bladder to the umbilicus.
With patent urachus (also called persistent urachus Persistent urachus ), entire urachus is patent so urine evacuates through both the umbilicus and the urethra.
Clinical signs of patent urachus include continuous urinary incontinence through the umbilicus, urinary tract infection, omphalitis and ventral dermatitis.
Surgical treatment includes excision of the persistent urachus, including its attachments to the bladder and umbilicus.