Urethral diverticulum in females.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gynecology
• Female Pelvic Medicine

Background:

• Urethral diverticula in females are rare and often present with non-specific symptoms.
• Diagnosis can be challenging, with suppuration occurring in some undiagnosed cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on thirteen cases of female urethral diverticulum.
• To discuss diagnostic methods, surgical management, and potential etiology.

Main Methods:

• Case series reporting thirteen female patients with urethral diverticulum.
• Diagnostic modalities included vaginal examination and micturating cystourethrography.
• Surgical management involved excision, primarily via a vaginal approach with a described flap incision.

Main Results:

• Vaginal palpation and micturating cystourethrography were key diagnostic tools.
• Ten cases underwent successful excision via a vaginal approach.
• A laterally based flap incision was used in seven cases without complications; one recurrence was successfully re-excised.

Conclusions:

• Female urethral diverticulum diagnosis relies on clinical signs and imaging.
• Surgical excision, particularly through a vaginal approach, is the recommended treatment, especially given the association with carcinoma.
• The condition is suspected to be congenital based on histological evidence.