Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Assessing Urinary Tract Junction Obstruction Defects by Methylene Blue Dye Injection
Published on: October 12, 2017
Congenital urethral polyps in the pediatric population
Xiaolong S Liu1, Portia A Kreiger, Sharon W Gould
1Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA.
Insights
Congenital urethral polyps are rare, typically benign growths found in pediatric males. Diagnosis involves imaging and direct visualization, with surgical removal as the standard treatment for these urinary obstructions.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Congenital urethral polyps are uncommon benign growths.
- Most frequently observed in pediatric males, often in the posterior urethra.
- Can occur in females and anterior urethral locations.
Observation:
- Patients may exhibit symptoms like dysuria, hematuria, and urinary obstruction.
- Diagnostic methods include ultrasound, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, and endoscopic visualization.
- Histopathological examination confirms the diagnosis.
Findings:
- Urethral polyps are benign growths.
- Symptoms vary depending on polyp location and size.
- Multimodal diagnostic approaches are essential.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing symptoms.
- Understanding the varied presentations aids in accurate diagnosis.
- This condition highlights the importance of comprehensive urological evaluation in children.
Abstract:
Congenital urethral polyps are a rare entity. Most commonly, they present as benign posterior urethral growths in the pediatric male patient. However, reports of urethral polyps in female patients or even those with an anterior urethral location can also be found in the literature. Patients can present with a spectrum of symptoms including dysuria, hematuria, and obstructive type urinary complaints. Diagnosis in these cases includes a combination of medical imaging (e.g. ultrasound, fluoroscopic, CT or MRI), direct endoscopic visualization, and final surgical pathology. Treatment involves surgical removal either via an endoscopic or open approach.
Related Concept Videos
Disorders of the Urinary System
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction
Urethra
The anatomy of the urethra differs between males and females. In females, the urethra is short, measuring about 3–4 cm in length, and opens anterior to the vaginal opening. In males, the urethra is longer and passes through the penis, serving dual purposes: expelling urine and ejaculating semen. The male...
Ureters

