MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Patent urachus

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Patent urachus

During fetal development the urachus is a tube that connects the bladder to the umbilicus. After birth, the urachus normally closes and becomes a ligament. If the urachus remains open, surgery is recommended so that bacteria or infection cannot be introduced into the bladder.

Update Date: 6/13/2006

Updated by: Neil D. Sherman, MD, Urologist, Essex County, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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