Surgery for urachal cancer

Because urachal cancer is rare, there are no standard treatment guidelines for everyone. Surgery is usually the preferred treatment when the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body.

The aim of surgery is to remove the cancer together with the urachus and nearby tissue. Depending on where the cancer is and how far it has spread, this may involve removing the top part of the bladder (the bladder dome) or the entire bladder. These parts are usually removed during the same operation.

Whenever possible, doctors try to remove only the bladder dome rather than the entire bladder. This can help preserve your normal bladder function and may give you a better quality of life.

Before the main operation, your doctor may perform a procedure called a diagnostic laparoscopy. This involves making small cuts in your abdomen and using a small camera to check whether the cancer has spread to the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum).

Because urachal cancer is rare, surgery is often performed at a specialist centre with experience in treating this type of cancer.

This chapter provides general information about surgery for urachal cancer. It is not a replacement for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

Last updated: April 2026

Reviewed by (2026 update): 

• Dr. Laura Mertens (EAU Guidelines Panel on Muscle-invasive and Metastatic Bladder Cancer)
• Prof. Dr. Antoine Van Der Heijden (EAU Guidelines Panel on Muscle-invasive and Metastatic Bladder Cancer)