The Efficacy Analysis of Laparoscopic Treatment of Pediatric Urachal Cysts

Abstract

Objective: To explore the methods and outcomes of laparoscopic treatment for pediatric urachal cysts. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 15 pediatric patients with urachal cysts treated in the Department of Pediatric Urology at Anhui Children's Hospital from November 2014 to August 2021. All patients were male with an average age of 4 years and 6 months. Preoperative evaluations, including ultrasound and CT or MRI scans, confirmed the presence of urachal cysts. Among them, 4 cases presented with infection and abscess formation, which were initially managed with local anesthesia for abscess drainage. Surgery was scheduled after controlling the infection. Laparoscopic urachal cyst excision was performed in all 15 patients. Results: The surgeries were successfully completed in all 15 patients without conversion to open surgery. The urachal cysts were completely excised without rupture. The surgical duration ranged from 35 to 225 minutes, with an average of 84.6 minutes. The average postoperative bleeding volume was 1.33ml, and the average duration for urinary catheter retention post-surgery was 6 days..The average length of postoperative hospitalization was 8.5 days. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, and the postoperative recovery was excellent. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of urachal cysts in all cases. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 8 years, during which all 15 patients had an excellent recovery. Follow-up ultrasound examinations showed no residual cysts or cyst recurrence. The abdominal incision scars were inconspicuous, and the parents of the patients were satisfied with the treatment outcomes. Conclusion: Laparoscopic urachal cyst excision is a feasible and safe method for treating pediatric urachal cysts. It is effective, minimally invasive, and associated with rapid recovery. It can be considered as the first choice for the treatment of urachal cysts in children.