[The characteristics of the membranous part of the urethra]

The membranous part of the urethra has anatomic specificity influencing its trauma mechanism and allowed for in the trauma treatment policy. In 239 patients with an injured membranous part of the urethra described in the paper, the rupture was mainly due to the hip fracture. 85% of the patients developed a complete rupture with subsequent obliteration, 15% had strictures. Cicatrization involved the whole membranous part in 74% of the cases. In relevant traumas common are severe rectourethral and peritoneal fistulas surgical treatment of which as well as obliterations involves great technical difficulties. There is a variety of operative approaches and techniques (perineal, original anteropubic and anorectal). Urethral reconstruction should not be followed by bougienage. Typical are also frequent renal and genital complications (phlegmons, nephroliths, ureteroliths, epididymitis, orchitis, prostatitis, pyelonephritis). The number of complications depends on the choice of the adequate operative technique and due consideration of anatomical characteristics of the membranous part of the urethra.