Umbilicovesical Fascia

fascia umbilicovesicalis

The umbilicovesical fascia is a triangular fascial sheet with its apex at the umbilicus and its base spreading over the bladder and pelvic sidewalls. It encloses the urachus and the obliterated umbilical arteries and forms the posterior wall of the retropubic space (space of Retzius).

Anatomical Data

Boundaries & Contents

Location	Lower anterior abdominal wall and pelvis, behind the transversalis fascia
Boundaries	Apex at the umbilicus Spreads down and laterally to the bladder and the pelvic sidewalls Lies between the transversalis fascia in front and the peritoneum behind
Contents	Median umbilical ligament (urachus) Medial umbilical ligaments (obliterated umbilical arteries)

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Encloses the urachus and the obliterated umbilical arteries and forms the back wall of the retropubic space, a plane used in extraperitoneal bladder and hernia surgery.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The umbilicovesical fascia is entered to develop the space of Retzius in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and Burch colposuspension. Urachal remnants (patent urachus, urachal cyst, urachal sinus) lie within this fascia and may require surgical excision.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Urachal Remnant within Umbilicovesical Fascia

Patent urachus or urachal cyst within the umbilicovesical fascia producing umbilical discharge or recurrent infections, excised laparoscopically along the median umbilical ligament to the bladder dome.

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