Work

Small bowel obstruction from urachal cyst abscess: a diagnostic challenge easily confused with invasive urachal cancer—A case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OVERVIEW: Urachal cysts, though rare, can become infected or undergo malignant transformation. A rare case of small bowel obstruction caused by an infected urachal cyst is presented, which can be misdiagnosed as invasive urachal cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old Vietnamese female presented with a 1-week history of abdominal pain and 3 days of obstipation, with no significant medical or surgical history. Her clinical examination indicated sepsis and small bowel obstruction. Imaging revealed a cystic urachal mass invading the abdominal wall and small intestine, causing obstruction. Emergency surgery confirmed bowel obstruction and perforation due to the mass. Postoperative histopathology revealed an abscessed urachal cyst with no malignancy. CONCLUSION: Complicated urachal cyst infections are challenging to diagnose and can be mistaken for malignancy. This is a rare cause of bowel obstruction in a patient without prior surgery or other preexisting conditions.

Source: Journal of Medical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1186/s13256-025-05265-4

Authors: Tung Minh Ly, Hau Minh Hong Bui, Phuoc Thanh Bui, Nguyen Ly

Institutions: Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Trường Đại học Khoa học Sức khỏe, Bệnh viện Bình Dân, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City

Language: English

Topic: Urinary and Genital Oncology Studies

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,890