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Female urethral diverticulum – a difficult diagnosis and a big challenge for the surgeon


Authors: A. Gurioli;  F. Marson;  E. Ammirati;  G. Marra;  P. Destefanis;  B. Frea
Published in: Urol List 2016; 14(1): 24-28

Overview

After a long diagnostic process in women complaining lower urinary tract symptoms, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia or feeling of vaginal weight, the diagnosis of urethral diverticulum is too strongly keep in mind. In this paper, we present the etiopathogenesis of this pathology and the classification system is mainly used. We also underline that diagnostic imaging is paramount to correctly identify and diag­nose urethral diverticulum, we focus on perineal ultrasound, MR and cystoscopy. Finally we present the procedures for urethral diverticulum correction described in urological literature and explain our technique for urethral diverticulum correction. Urethral diverticulum surgery is complex and it is still affected by high degree of complications. For all these reasons we underline that this surgery should be performed in highly specialized and experienced centers in perineal female surgery.

Key words:
female urethral diverticulum, LUTS, vaginal exploration, perineal ultrasound, cystoscopy, Martius flap


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