[Syringoceles of Cowper's glands in children]

Some tubular or cystic diverticula observed in the ventral wall of the male bulbous urethra that originate from dilatation of Cowper's gland ducts have been termed "syringoceles". They can cause dysuria, hematuria and obstruction. We report 14 syringoceles and 1 true diverticulum from segmental absence of spongious urethra. We review embryology, anatomy and diagnosis in order to determine the best therapeutic approach. We performed endoscopic resection of the distal valve-like border of the diverticulum in 6 patients (42.85%) with good results. The remaining 8 patients, in whom surgery was not indicated, were followed clinically and radiologically.