Gynecology & Obstetrics
Open Access

Abstract

Female Urethral Diverticulum: Diagnosis, Treatment and Outcome

Marcelo Di Gregorio, Francis Lorge, Michaël Dupont, Cassandra da Cunha Farias Paulino de Morais, Lívia Carneiro Nascimento, Agostinho de Sousa Machado Júnior and Helena Juliana Nagy

Objectives: To share our experience regarding the handling of symptomatic or asymptomatic female urethral diverticula. Clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic strategies are reviewed. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis involving eight female patients with urethral diverticula who were followed up in our urology department between 2007 and 2015. Preoperative assessment included clinical examination and cystoscopy, voiding cystourethrogram, or magnetic resonance imaging. Postoperative follow-up visits were scheduled at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: Diagnosis was based on anamnesis and physical examination, and then confirmed by complimentary exams such as voiding cystourethrogram and magnetic resonance imaging. All patients experienced symptomatic relief and improved esthetic outcome after surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging was instrumental in confirming the diagnosis and in planning the surgical approach. Surgical excision of the diverticulum and reconstruction resulted in good aesthetic and functional outcomes. There were no major postoperative complications. Conclusions: Previously unrecognized female urethral diverticula can now be more easily detected using magnetic resonance imaging. In our small series, surgical excision and reconstruction was associated with good clinical outcome.