11-Year-Old Girl with Rare Abdominal Birth Defect Successfully Treated Using Minimally Invasive Surgery

Doctors at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad successfully treated an 11-year-old girl who had been experiencing persistent pain around her belly button for nearly two weeks. After detailed evaluation, the child was diagnosed with a rare congenital condition known as infected urachal cyst, which was causing significant discomfort.

Infected urachal cyst is a rare congenital anomaly where a fluid-filled sac forms due to incomplete closure of the urachus, a fetal structure connecting the bladder to the umbilicus. The treatment was led by Dr Anup Gulati, Director – Urology and Kidney Transplant at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, who planned and executed a minimally invasive treatment approach to ensure a safe and swift recovery for the girl child.

The child was brought to the hospital following unresolved abdominal pain. Advanced imaging investigations revealed that a small tissue - connecting the bladder to the belly button, had become infected and swollen. Although uncommon, an infected urachal cyst can lead to pain and serious complications if not diagnosed and treated in time.

Following initial medical management and careful pre-operative assessment, the urology team at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad performed a minimally invasive laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery to remove the infected tissues. During the procedure, the infected cyst and the tissue were completely removed, and internal adhesions were safely released.

The surgery was carried out through small incisions, avoiding open surgery and reducing recovery time. The surgery was successful, and the child recovered smoothly without any complications. She was discharged from the hospital within two days. The urinary catheter was removed after five days, and the patient experienced complete relief from pain, resuming normal recovery thereafter.

Giving details of the case, Dr Anup Gulati, Director – Urology and Kidney Transplant at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, said, “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.”

Dr Abhishek Sharma, Facility Director, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad said, “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.”