Urethral diverticulum
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Urethral diverticulum has been reported in 1.4% of women with stress urinary incontinence. Female urethral diverticulum is currently thought to be acquired. It is usually located posterolateral to the urethra.
Classification
Female urethral diverticula have a variety of shapes and configurations.
- Diverticula may be single or multiple, unilocular or multicompartmental.
- Urethral diverticula may have either a wide or narrow neck.
- Urethral diverticula may surround the urethra ("saddle" diverticula).
Diagnosis
The classic manifestation of urethral diverticulum has been described as the three Ds (dysuria, postvoid dribbling, and dyspareunia).
- Urethral diverticula may be complicated by infection, stone formation (up to 10% of patients), and malignant degeneration.
Patient #1: CT image demonstrates a urethral diverticulum
Patient #2: MR images demonstrate a urethral diverticulum in a male patient
Treatment
The definitive treatment of urethral diverticula is transvaginal diverticulectomy.