Q64: Other congenital malformations of urinary system

Q64.4: Malformation of urachus

The bladder sits low down in the abdomen and collects the urine. The urine is produced in the two kidneys. The urine flows from the kidneys into the bladder via the ureters. When you pass water, the urine flows from the bladder via the urethra and out.

When development begins in the womb, the child excretes urine via the umbilical cord. So there is a connection between the bladder and the umbilical cord. Later on, the child excretes its urine in the amniotic fluid. The connection between bladder and umbilical cord then closes.

The development-related connection between bladder and umbilical cord has not closed properly in the womb. If the connection between bladder and umbilical cord has not closed, urine can escape via the navel. A cavity with fluid can form in the area of the connection. Over time, the cavity can get bigger and cause pain. The cavity can also become susceptible to pathogens.