Doctors at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad successfully treated an 11-year-old girl suffering from persistent pain around her belly button for nearly two weeks. After a detailed medical evaluation, specialists diagnosed her with a rare congenital condition called an infected urachal cyst, which was responsible for her ongoing discomfort.
The treatment was led by Dr. Anup Gulati, Director – Urology and Kidney Transplant at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, who planned and performed a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure to ensure a safe treatment and faster recovery for the child.
Persistent Abdominal Pain Leads to Rare Diagnosis
As per the press release, the young patient was brought to the hospital after experiencing continuous abdominal pain near the umbilical region that did not improve with routine treatment. Consequently, doctors conducted advanced imaging investigations, which revealed that a small fetal structure connecting the bladder to the belly button had become infected and swollen.
This structure, known as the urachus, normally closes before birth. However, in rare cases, incomplete closure can result in the formation of a urachal cyst, a fluid-filled sac that may become infected and cause pain, swelling, and other complications if left untreated.
Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery Ensures Faster Recovery
After stabilizing the infection through initial medical management and completing a thorough pre-operative assessment, the urology team proceeded with a laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery to remove the infected cyst.
During the procedure, surgeons completely removed the infected urachal cyst along with the associated tissue and carefully released internal adhesions. Importantly, the surgery was performed through small incisions, which eliminated the need for open surgery and significantly reduced recovery time.
As a result, the operation was successful, and the child recovered smoothly without any complications. She was discharged within two days, while doctors removed the urinary catheter after five days. Soon after, the patient experienced complete relief from pain and resumed normal recovery.
Expert Insights on Managing Rare Urachal Anomalies
Explaining the case, Dr. Anup Gulati said that urachal anomalies are uncommon and often difficult to diagnose because their symptoms can resemble other abdominal conditions.
“Urachal anomalies are rare and often present with non-specific abdominal symptoms, making timely diagnosis crucial. In this case, early evaluation and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery allowed us to completely remove the infected tissues with minimal trauma. The child recovered quickly and without complications, which highlights the safety and effectiveness of advanced laparoscopic techniques in pediatric urology,” he said.
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Advanced Surgical Care
Highlighting the significance of the case, Dr. Abhishek Sharma, Facility Director, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, emphasized the role of early diagnosis and modern surgical technology in treating rare pediatric conditions.
“This successful case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and the role of advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques in managing rare pediatric urological conditions. With expert clinical care and modern surgical infrastructure, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad continues to deliver safe, precise, and patient-centric outcomes for children and adults alike,” he said.
Advancing Pediatric Urology Care
This case highlights how timely diagnosis, expert surgical intervention, and minimally invasive techniques can significantly improve outcomes in rare pediatric conditions such as infected urachal cysts. With advanced laparoscopic capabilities and specialized urology expertise, Fortis Escorts Hospital continues to strengthen its reputation for high-quality pediatric and urological care in India.