Cobb's collar: a rare cause of urinary retention
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Updated: May 14, 2026

Transcorporal Artificial Urinary Sphincter Cuff Placement in a Case Requiring Revision for Urethral Atrophy
Published on: June 16, 2022
Ottavio Adorisio1, Francesca Bassani, Massimiliano Silveri
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Palidoro, Italy. o.adorisio@yahoo.it
Insights
Cobb's collar, a rare urethral stricture, can cause serious urinary issues. Successful videoendoscopic management in a teen highlights the importance of early diagnosis for preserving kidney and bladder function.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Urethral Abnormalities
- Congenital Anomalies
Background:
- Cobb's collar is a rare congenital membranous stricture of the bulbar urethra.
- It is frequently misdiagnosed and can lead to significant urinary complications.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of a urethral anomaly.
- Diagnostic evaluation confirmed the presence of Cobb's collar.
Findings:
- The patient underwent a successful videoendoscopic one-step management of the Cobb's collar.
- This minimally invasive approach resolved the stricture effectively.
Implications:
- Paediatric urologists should maintain awareness of Cobb's collar as a differential diagnosis in affected children.
- Timely endoscopic intervention can prevent severe complications like urinary retention and renal damage, avoiding major surgery.
Abstract:
Cobb's collar is a membranous stricture of the bulbar urethra, often misdiagnosed, potentially leading to acute urinary retention, upper urinary tract dilations, enuresis, infectious diseases, poor streaming and haematuria. A 14-year-old boy with a history of previous hospitalisations came to our attention. A Cobb's collar was diagnosed and successfully managed with a videoendoscopic one-step approach. Although extremely uncommon, paediatric urologists must be aware of this congenital anomaly. A correct and timely diagnosis and endoscopic management may affect positively the clinical onset of these patients avoiding major urethral surgery and preserving renal and bladder function.
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