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Distal Urethral Duplication in a Female Child: A Unique Case Report with Diverticular Component
Gokhan Arkan1, Cem Kaya1, Leyla Nur Turker1
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Urethral duplication (UD) is a rare condition in girls presenting with urinary incontinence. Surgical excision of the duplicated tract effectively treated a pediatric case, resolving symptoms and showing no recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Congenital Anomalies
- Surgical Case Report
Background:
- Urethral duplication (UD) is an exceptionally rare congenital anomaly in females.
- It can manifest with symptoms such as urinary incontinence and clitoral swelling.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes.
Observation:
- A 5-year-9-month-old girl presented with postvoid dribbling and clitoral swelling.
- Imaging and physical examination identified a fistula tract.
- Surgical exploration revealed a urethral duplication extending from the distal urethra to the clitoris.
Findings:
- The identified fistula tract, representing urethral duplication, was successfully dissected and excised.
- Post-operative recovery was uneventful, with complete resolution of clitoral swelling and urinary dribbling.
- No recurrence was observed at the 2-month follow-up, indicating successful surgical management.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering urethral duplication in the differential diagnosis of urinary incontinence in pediatric females.
- Surgical excision of the duplicated urethral tract is an effective treatment modality.
- Favorable outcomes and symptom resolution can be achieved with timely surgical intervention.
Study Objective:
To report a rare case of urethral duplication (UD) in a 5-year-9-month-old girl and describe the surgical approach and outcomes.
Methods:
A 5-year-9-month-old girl presented with postvoid dribbling and clitoral swelling. Physical examination and imaging were performed. During surgery, a fistula tract was identified, dissected, and excised. This tract was found to be a UD extending between the distal urethra and the clitoris. The procedure involved advancing a polypropylene suture through the fistula and observing its course via cystoscopy.
Results:
The fistula tract was successfully excised, resolving both the clitoral swelling and dribbling. The patient recovered without complications and showed no recurrence at the 2-month follow-up.
Conclusion:
UD, though exceedingly rare in females, should be considered in cases of urinary incontinence. Surgical excision is an effective treatment with favorable outcomes.
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