Iatrogenic injury to a vesicourachal diverticulum during laparoscopic appendectomy successfully managed conservatively

A vesicourachal diverticulum is a rare congenital anomaly that arises from the incomplete closure of the urachus at the bladder end. We describe a 12-year-old boy who presented with severe persistent right iliac fossa pain associated with subjective fever, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed findings consistent with appendicitis. The patient underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy; however, his postoperative course was remarkable for a low urine output and urine leakage from the suprapubic port site. A CT cystography showed a vesicourachal diverticulum and conservative management was offered. This management consisted of Foley catheter placement, hourly monitoring of the patient’s urine output, antibiotic prophylaxis, daily laboratory investigations and a cystography performed after 7 days. Overall, injury to the vesicourachal diverticulum is rare, and surgeons should be aware of this rare clinical entity and exercise caution during port placement. Surgeons should also have a high index of suspicion to identify these injuries and appropriately manage the condition early.