[Female urethral diverticulum]

Female urethral diverticulum is a rare condition. The reported incidence varies from 1.4-5%, depending on the population studied. The correct diagnosis is often delayed because of unspecific symptoms from the patients' lower urogenital tract. The classic triad of female urethral diverticulum is dribbling of purulent matter, dyspareunia and dysuria. The majority of patients have a palpable mass located on the anterior vaginal wall. The presentation and management of 11 women with urethral diverticulum who where admitted to the Surgical Department of the Central Hospital in Akershus during the period 1.1. 1975 to 1.4. 1996 is reviewed. Investigations included vaginal examination, urethrocystoscopy, urography and urethrography with a double balloon catheter. A palpable mass was found in all 11 patients. The urethrography was positive in eight out of ten patients. Diverticulectomy was performed on nine patients. In follow-up interviews from three months to 21 years after treatment, one patient was found to suffer from incontinence after surgery, two patients noticed recurrence of some symptoms, and six patients were completely relieved of their complaints.