[Congenital diverticula and valves of the anterior urethra]

Basing themselves on fourteen personal cases, the authors propose a distinction between two types of congenital lesions obstructing the anterior urethra--valves and diverticula. The main difference between the two resides in the fact that, while diverticula develop outside the corpus spongiosum, the prevalvular distension, in the case of valves, is covered by it. Valves must be treated by endoscopic resection, and this procedure gave good results in all three cases in which it was followed. A surgical approach to a valve through the walls of the urethra involves a risk of late severe stenosis. Diverticula have been successfully managed surgically in a single operation by ablation followed by reconstruction of the urethra. Attempts to treat them by endoscopic resection of the anterior border of the diverticulum were unsuccessful. Three diverticula were non-obstructive, and a cowperian origin was probable in two cases.