Persistent cloaca and phallic urethra

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 8, 2026

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
08:09

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis

Published on: January 7, 2019

G Karlin1, W Brock, M Rich

  • 1Department of Urology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York.

The Journal of Urology
|October 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

This study reviewed 54 children with persistent cloaca, finding frequent urinary tract anomalies and rare cases of masculinized genitalia. The posterior sagittal approach proved effective for surgical repair.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Congenital Malformations
  • Urology

Background:

  • Persistent cloaca is a rare congenital anomaly requiring complex surgical management.
  • Understanding associated anomalies is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
  • This study focuses on a cohort of 54 children treated over 8 years.

Observation:

  • The most frequent associated anomalies involved the urinary tract, including renal agenesis, dysplasia, vesicoureteral reflux, and megaureter.
  • Four patients presented with a rare cloacal opening at the tip of a pseudophallus.
  • Two patients also had an accessory urethra, indicating significant external genitalia masculinization.

Findings:

  • Virilization was limited to the genitalia, with no detected adrenal, metabolic, or chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Patients with persistent cloaca exhibit a higher likelihood of complex congenital malformations compared to isolated cloaca.
  • The posterior sagittal approach was effectively utilized for the surgical repair of these complex cases.

Implications:

  • Highlights the significant association between persistent cloaca and complex urinary tract malformations.
  • Emphasizes the need for thorough evaluation of associated anomalies in patients with persistent cloaca.
  • Demonstrates the efficacy of the posterior sagittal approach in managing these challenging congenital conditions.

More Related Videos

Transcorporal Artificial Urinary Sphincter Cuff Placement in a Case Requiring Revision for Urethral Atrophy03:25

Transcorporal Artificial Urinary Sphincter Cuff Placement in a Case Requiring Revision for Urethral Atrophy

Published on: June 16, 2022

An Optimized Method To Isolate Female Mouse Urethral Epithelium For Single-Cell And Immunofluorescence Analysis11:02

An Optimized Method To Isolate Female Mouse Urethral Epithelium For Single-Cell And Immunofluorescence Analysis

Published on: June 12, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum01:26

Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum

The muscles of the pelvic floor and perineum are crucial for supporting the pelvic organs, controlling continence, and aiding in sexual function, childbirth, and core stability. They are typically divided into the superficial perineal layer and the deep pelvic floor layer.
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
Urethra01:16

Urethra

The urethra is a hollowed tubular organ through which urine is expelled from the body. This structure extends from the bladder to the external opening, allowing urine to be released.
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 urethra is...
Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System01:25

Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system is a complex network of organs and tissues that work together to produce and transport sperm. The epididymis, vasa deferens, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra are the accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation. These ducts play a critical role in the production and transportation of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it is then released during ejaculation.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle.
Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System01:16

Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System

The accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation include the epididymides, vasa deferentia, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra. These ducts play a critical role in the maturation, storage, and transportation of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it is then released during ejaculation.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle. The epididymis can be divided into three main parts: the head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis...
External Female Genitals01:15

External Female Genitals

The vulva encompasses the external structures of the female reproductive system. At the forefront is the monpubis, a cushion of fatty tissue atop the pubic bone. Once puberty sets in, this area typically grows hair. Extending from just behind the mons pubis are the labia majora (labia = 'lips'; majora = 'larger'), which are larger skin fs olds coated with hair. Nestled within are the labia minora (labia = 'lips'; minora = 'smaller'), which are thinner, more pigmented, and hairless. While the...
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra01:19

Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra

The lower urinary system consists of the urinary bladder and urethra, which are essential in storing and expelling urine from the body. Together with the internal and external sphincters, these structures work together to regulate urination effectively.Anatomy of the BladderThe urinary bladder is a muscular, stretchable organ behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. In females, the bladder is positioned anterior to the vagina and inferior to the uterus, while in males, it is located...