Laparoscopic excision of urachal cyst in pediatric age: report of three cases and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of pediatric urachal disorders.

METHODS: Case reports and a literature review of laparoscopic excision of urachal remnants.

RESULTS: In a five-year period, three children were diagnosed with urachal anomalies presenting as abdominal or urinary symptoms, and were treated by laparoscopic surgery. The average age was 8.3 years (range, 4-13),and there were two girls and one boy. Mean operative time was 90 minutes (range, 60-120), and there were nopostoperative complications. The three patients were all discharged by postoperative day four.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy is an effective and safe minimally invasive technique in the management of pediatricurachal anomalies. It is effective even in cases of infected urachal cysts.