The prostatic utricle: An under-recognized condition resulting in significant morbidity in boys with both hypospadias and normal external genitalia

Clinical Application of Ureteroscope-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery for Prostatic Utricle in Children

Purpose: To investigate the use of ureteroscope-assisted laparoscopic surgery (UALS) in treating symptomatic prostatic utricle (PU) in children. Materials and Methods: Data on surgically treated cases of PU at the Department of Urology in Hunan Children's Hospital between September 2014 and September 2022 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The diagnosis was confirmed by cystourethroscopy followed by ureteroscopy, and PU was excised by ureteroscope-assisted laparoscopy. Results: A total of 21 patients with PU were enrolled in this study. The median age of the patients at surgery was 8.1 (4.6-11.5) years. Karyotyping was available for 15 children: 13 (86.7%) were 46XY, 1 (6.7%) was 45X/46XY, and 1 (6.7%) was 45X/46XY/47XYY. The median length of the PU was 5.0 (4.1-7.1) cm. Nineteen patients underwent only ureteroscope-assisted laparoscopic excision, whereas 2 also had a perineal incision. All excisions were successfully performed. The median intraoperative blood loss was 25.0 (20.0-37.5) mL. The median hospital stay and follow-up durations were 18.0 (14.5-25.0) days and 24.0 (13.5-49.0) months, respectively. The patients reported no postoperative clinical symptoms. Conclusion: UALS allows for accurate patient positioning and thorough exposure of the anatomical structures, and it is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for PU in children.

Urological Impact of Epididymo-orchitis in Patients with Anorectal Malformation: An ARM-Net Consortium Study

INTRODUCTION

 To investigate the current experience of the ARM-Net Consortium in the management of epididymo-orchitis (EO) in patients with anorectal malformations (ARMs), and to identify specific risk factors and the need for urological care involvement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 We retrospectively collected data of EO in patients with ARM between 2015 and 2019. Data on urological aspects, ARM type, surgical approach, associated anomalies, diagnosis, and treatment of EO were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

 Twenty-nine patients were reported by 12 centers. Twenty-six patients with EO (90%) had ARM with a rectourinary fistula. Median age at first EO was 2 years (range: 15 days-27 years). Twenty patients (69%) experienced multiple EO, and 60% of recurrences were ipsilateral. Associated urological anomalies included vesicoureteral reflux (48%), urethral anomalies (41%), neurogenic bladder (41%), and ectopic vas (10%). A positive urine culture during EO was present in 69%. EO was treated with antibiotics (90%), limiting surgical exploration to 14%. Prevention of recurrences included surgery (bulking agents 15%, vasectomy 15%, and orchiectomy 5%) and antibiotic prophylaxis (20%).

CONCLUSION

 Urologists may encounter patients with EO in ARM patients, frequently with positive urine culture. An appropriate urologic work-up for most ARM patients is necessary to identify and treat underlying risk factors. A practical scheme for the work-up is suggested for a close collaboration between pediatric surgeons and urologists.

Clinical spectrum and management options for prostatic utricle in children

PURPOSE

Prostatic utricle (PU) has been described in children with hypospadias, posterior urethral valves (PUV), variances of sex characteristics and normal external genitalia. Intervention may be required in symptomatic cases, but clinical characteristics vary, requiring individualisation of management. We describe our experience with this condition.

METHODS

Retrospective review of males noted to have PU on cystoscopy (2009-2020) at a single centre. Presentation, management and outcomes were recorded (Variances of sex characteristics excluded).

RESULTS

Of 1060 male children who underwent cystoscopy for various reasons, PU was recorded in 36 (3.4%), indications for cystoscopy being hypospadias in 28, PUV in 3, urinary tract infections (UTI) in 3 and hydronephrosis in 2. Six (16.7%) developed epididymo-orchitis. All 6 had Ikoma Grade II PU. Case 1 (16 years,UTI) was managed with intravenous antibiotics. Case 2 (8 years,hypospadias) underwent laying open of urethral stricture. Case 3 (5 years,PUV) underwent laparoscopic PU excision. Cases 4 and 5 (3 and 6 years, hypospadias) underwent cystoscopic injection of bulking agent near the insertion of the vasa. Case 6 (3 years,hypospadias) underwent laparoscopic PU excision with vasal disconnection (vasal openings at dome of utricle rather than base) following failed endoscopic management. Median follow-up was 36 (0-206) months. All remained asymptomatic with normal testicular volumes for age at current follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Multiple treatment options to address a symptomatic PU have been described and enable surgeons to individualise treatment based on clinical circumstances. It is important to identify variations in anatomy of vasal connection to PU to plan appropriate management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV (Retrospective study).

Duplication of SOX3 in an SRY-negative 46,XX male with prostatic utricle: case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

46,XX male disorders of sex development are rare. Approximately 80% of cases of testicular tissue differentiation may be due to translocation of SRY to the X chromosome or an autosome. SRY-negative 46,XX males show overexpression of pro-testis genes, such as SOX9 and SOX3, or failure of pro-ovarian genes, such as WNT4 and RSPO1, which induces testis differentiation, however, almost all testicles exhibit dysgenesis. Following inadequate exposure to androgens during the embryo stage, remnants of the Mullerian duct and incomplete closure of the urogenital sinus lead to enlargement of prostatic utricles. This condition is associated with proximal hypospadias and disorders of sex development. Many cases are asymptomatic, but show increased rates of postoperative complications and surgical failure.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 5-year-old Chinese boy with scrotal hypospadias and bilateral cryptorchidism with prostatic utricles was presented. Gonadal histology showed ovo-testicular tissue on the right side and testicular tissue on the left side; all testicular tissue exhibited dysgenesis. Furthermore, chromosome karyotype analysis revealed 46,XX and, the presence of SRY was ruled out by polymerase chain reaction analysis. Whole-genome analysis showed the boy has a 1.4-Mb duplication in the Xq27.1q27.2 region (arr[hg19]Xq27.1q27.2:139585794-140996652) involving SOX3. No SOX3 duplication was observed in the parents, who had a normal phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first case of an SRY-negative 46 XX male with prostatic utricle caused by SOX3 duplication. SOX3 duplication may cause sex reversal, and all 46,XX SRY-negative males should be screened for SOX3 mutations. Gonadal biopsy is recommended to evaluate ovarian and testicular tissue development. Testicular dysgenesis and low exposure to male hormones during fetal development can lead to enlarged prostatic utricles. Thus endoscopic examination should be performed preoperatively to detect prostatic utricles in SRY-negative 46,XX males to determine the surgical plan and reduce postoperative complications.

Localization of external urethral orifice in coronary sulcus during urethroplasty in case of severe hypospadias accompanied by prostatic utricle cyst

BACKGROUND

To explore whether opening the external urethral orifice in the coronal sulcus can reduce the incidence of epididymitis after operating on hypospadias with prostatic utricle cyst (PUC) connecting to the vas deferens. Group A consisted of 3 patients with severe hypospadias and PUC undergoing cystostomy, hypospadias correction and urethroplasty, along with the relocation of the external orifice of the urethra to the coronal sulcus. Group B consisted of 4 patients having initial hypospadias repaired with meatus in the orthotopic position in the glans, presenting with multiple epididymitis after hypospadias surgery and unsuccessful conservative treatment. MR confirmed that all the Group B patients had PUC connecting to the vas deferens. Group B patients underwent urethral dilatation along with urethral catheterization, cutting of the original corpus cavernosum that encapsulated the urethra, and extension of the position of the external urethral orifice to the coronal sulcus.

RESULTS

In group A, 3 children underwent bladder fistula removal 2 weeks after the operation. The penis developed normally without any complications. Four children in group B underwent stent removal 12 weeks after operation, and one patient was still stenosed and dilated again. All patients in group B were followed without epididymitis recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with hypospadias complicating with a PUC, connecting to one side of the vas deferens, the positioning of the external urethral orifice in the coronary sulcus would be helpful to reduce the occurrence of epididymitis.

An Enlarged and Infected Prostatic Utricle as a Rare Cause of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Adolescent Males

Dysuria with lower abdominal pain is a common presentation for a urinary tract infection (UTI), and diagnosis is based on symptoms together with a urinalysis and urine culture suggestive of infection. UTI is uncommon in circumcised males who are not sexually active. When urine culture is negative, alternate diagnoses including, but not limited to, gastroenteritis, severe constipation, appendicitis, or epididymitis need to be considered. In patients with a known urologic history of proximal hypospadias and/or disorders of sexual development, rarer diagnoses also need to be considered. This paper reports the case of a 13-year-old male with a remote history of proximal hypospadias repair, who presented with nonspecific lower urinary tract symptoms. Initially he was treated for UTI. However, urine cultures remained negative despite persistent urinary tract symptoms. On further workup, he was found to have an enlarged and infected prostatic utricle. This report illustrates the importance of considering an enlarged prostatic utricle in the differential diagnoses of patients with chronic lower urinary tract symptoms and a history of hypospadias. Additionally, this case highlights the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in clarifying lower urinary tract anatomy in cases where ultrasound is inconclusive.

K. P, Shetty J, Patil N. Symptomatic prostatic utricle: various approaches for treatment

Background

Pediatric presentations of a prostatic utricle have received only little attention. The incidence of symptomatic prostatic utricle has been reported but most cases are asymptomatic. The purpose of this study is to highlight the various clinical presentations and surgical approaches to treat a symptomatic prostatic utricle.

Results

This study includes a series of 7 cases over a period of 5 years. The diagnosis of prostatic was made on the basis of clinical presentations, ultrasonography, micturating cystourethrogram, and cystoscopy.

Of the 7 patients, the newborn patient had antenatally detected abdominal cystic mass which presented with postnatal urinary retention, 5 patients had various urinary complaints, and 1 older child with disorder of sexual differentiation (DSD) had urinary incontinence. Depending upon the grade of prostatic utricle, treatment was done in the form of laparoscopic-assisted excision in 1, laparotomy and excision in 1, perineal excision in 2, and cystoscopic fulguration in 3 patients. Postoperative period was uneventful. All the patients were followed for a period of 1–2 years. Most of them were asymptomatic except one child who had recurrent episodes of epidydimo orchitis which was treated conservatively, and he was also asymptomatic at the end of 1 year. Five patients who had associated hypospadias were observed for one year for any urinary complaints before they underwent definitive repair for hypospadias.

Conclusion

Prostatic utricle is a vestigial remnant of müllerian duct most commonly associated with posterior hypospadias. High index of suspicion for prostatic utricle in cases with recurrent urinary complaints helps in timely detection and appropriate treatment can prevent further complications. Cystoscopy and micturating cytourethrogram remains the gold standard for diagnosis.

Cystoscopic Management of Prostatic Utricles

In this case series (n = 7) on prostatic utricles (PU), retention of urine was seen in 5 of 7, urinary tract infection (4 of 7), recurrent epidydymo-orchitis (3 of 7), and scrotal sinus (1 of 7). Voiding cystourethrogram established diagnosis in 3 of 7 patients while CT/MRI in 4 of 7 patients. Four patients were primarily managed by cystoscopic widening of mouth of PU. Three with large PU underwent initial open (2) or laparoscopic (1) excision but later warranted cystoscopic widening for residual PU. Excision (open/laparoscopic) has risk of damage to adjacent structures (nerves/vas/seminal vesicles) or leaving behind a residual PU. Cystoscopic management (primary/salvage) has less morbidity and relieves recurrent symptoms due to stasis of urine in PU.

Cystoscopy-Guided Laparoscopic Excision of Prostatic Utricle: Report of a Case

Prostatic utricle (PU) is incomplete regression of Müllerian duct and may cause recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), stone formation, postvoid dribbling, and recurrent epididymitis. Although surgical excision is recommended to avoid complications, surgical access to PU has been challenging. Cystoscopy-guided laparoscopic management of PU in a 3-year-old boy is reported to discuss use of other endoscopic aids in the surgical treatment of PU. He was admitted with disordered sexual development with karyotype of 47,XYY/46,XY and has been experiencing recurrent UTIs. Voiding cystourethrogram (VCU) demonstrated large PU (IKOMA II). Cystoscopy was performed confirming PU and the cystoscope was left in situ to aid laparoscopic exploration after bladder was emptied. A 5-mm umbilical port and two 5-mm ports in both lower quadrants were inserted. The peritoneum was dissected behind bladder. The cystoscope in PU was used as guidance in identification and dissection of PU. The vas deferens was identified and could be secured. The neck of PU was ligated with surgiloop. PU was retrieved from umbilical port. Postoperative VCU revealed normal posterior urethra. He has been free of UTIs for the last 6 months. Laparoscopy is safe and feasible alternative in surgical management of PU, by providing good visual exposure, easy dissection in deep pelvis, and improved cosmesis. The cystoscopic guidance is an important aid in identification and dissection of PU.

Perineal hypospadias repair with preservation of a coincidental vagina or perineal utricle in boys with disorders of sex development

INTRODUCTION

An enlarged utricle in patients with proximal hypospadias or disorders of sex development (DSD) is common. The utricle orifice is usually in the posterior urethra near the verumontanum, but in exceptional cases located on the perineum. Concurrence of a perineal hypospadias and perineal utricle or vagina is also known as male vagina, pseudovagina, or blind vaginal pouch. The utricle in such cases is usually excised either before or concomitant with hypospadias repair. The authors developed an alternative approach in which the vagina or perineal utricle is retained during hypospadias repair and report on the results in four patients.

OBJECTIVE

To report a novel technique for perineal hypospadias repair while retaining a concurrent vagina or perineal utricle.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1999 and 2014, four neonates presented with perineal hypospadias. In all patients, a second perineal opening providing access to either an enlarged utricle or a vagina was identified. Karyotype in peripheral blood was in two patients 46,XY and in the other two 45,X/46,XY of which one showed a complex mosaicism in gonadal tissue. No genetic cause was identified on DNA evaluation in the two patients with 46,XY DSD. All patients were raised as boys. Hypospadias repair was performed in two stages at prepubertal age. During the second stage of surgery, performed between the age of 1.5 and 5 years, the vagina or utricle orifice was incorporated into the neo-urethra, resulting in a retained 'built-in' vagina or utricle.

RESULTS

Surgical procedures were uneventful, and patients remained asymptomatic during a mean postoperative follow-up of 8.5 (range 2-13.5) years. One patient was lost to follow-up after the age of 8 years. At their last visit, the remaining patients, at the age of 4, 15, and 17 years, were able to void in standing position without dribbling. Both adolescent patients reported erections without ejaculations and identified themselves as males without signs of gender dysphoria.

CONCLUSION

Hypospadias repair in boys with perineal hypospadias while leaving a male vagina or perineal utricle in situ has not been reported previously, and the study's preliminary results are favorable. One of the benefits of this approach is that inadvertent injury to adjacent anatomic structures such as urethral sphincter, neurovascular bundles, ureters, vas deferens, and rectum is avoided. The main rationale for adopting this conservative approach however is to minimize genital tissue removal in children with a not yet definite gender identity, which will certainly facilitate unforeseen future gender reassignment surgery.

Prostatic utricles without external genital anomalies in children: our experience, literature review, and pooling analysis

Background

It has been recognized that the incidence of prostatic utricle in boys is increasing and is closely associated with diseases such as hypospadias. However, the clinical features of prostatic utricle with normal external genitalia have received little attention.

Methods

Based on this, a series of 22 male children with prostatic utricles has been compiled by adding our 3 patients to 19 cases reported. All children enrolled had normal external genitalia. Clinical data of the case was reviewed.

Results

Urinary tract infection, purulent urethral discharge and pyuria were the most common presenting chief complaint (41%), irritative lower urinary tract symptoms were present in 17% of cases, obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms were noted in 14%. Urinary retention has been reported in 18% and epididymitis has been reported in 14%. Relatively rare clinical symptoms are abdominal pain, hematuria, and hematospermia. A case of calculus formation and a case of neoplasia within the prostatic utricle has been reported. A cystic mass found by digital rectal examination is the most common presenting sign. A utricular lesion posterior to the bladder was revealed by imaging examination. Unilateral renal agenesis was associated in 32% of reports. Non-surgical approach was chosen in 3 cases, transrectal ultrasonography guided aspiration has been reported in 1 case. Endoscopic techniques were used in 3 cases. Open excision was used in 11 cases. The laparoscopic excision was chosen in 3 cases and Robot-assisted laparoscopy was reported in 1 case. Symptoms and signs disappeared after treatment in all children, and no recurrence occurred during follow-up.

Conclusions

Prostate utricles without external genital anomalies are rarely reported in children, and are easily missed and misdiagnosed, often accompanied by recurrent urinary tract infections, lower urinary tract symptoms, epididymitis, dysuria and other symptoms. Imaging studies can confirm the diagnosis. Symptomatic and large utricles should be actively treated. The treatment program should be based on the age, clinical symptoms, and size and location of the utricle.

Endoscopic injection of bulking agent around the ejaculatory ducts at the verumontanum for recurrent paediatric epididymitis

INTRODUCTION

Paediatric recurrent epididymitis is frequently observed in several urogenital conditions, and may result in deterioration of long-term fertility. The management of recurrent epididymitis is still a therapeutic challenge for paediatric urologists, and as yet there is no consensus for treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To present a minimally invasive endoscopic approach for the treatment of recurrent epididymitis (more than three episodes).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eleven boys were referred with a history of recurrent epididymitis in a context of urogenital malformations. All children underwent endoscopic transurethral injection. Dextranomer/hyaluronic acid was injected around the ejaculatory ducts at the verumontanum (Summary Fig.). The medical records and outcomes of the patients were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Of the 11 boys, two (18%) had a history of bladder exstrophy, three (27%) anorectal malformation, two (18%) peno-scrotal hypospadias, two (18%) posterior urethral valves, one (9%) seminal vesicle cyst, and one (9%) urethral stricture. The median age at injection was 3.75 years (range 8 months-14.7 years). Endoscopic injection effectively prevented recurrence in eight patients (73%) with a mean follow-up of 3 years (range 6 months-8.8 years). The mean injected volume was 0.7 ml/session. No perioperative complications were recorded. Vas clipping was performed in three patients after unsuccessful injections.

DISCUSSION

The current discussion for management of recurrent epididymitis is mainly based on vas clipping. Endoscopic injection in the verumontanum could offer several potential advantages over vas clipping; moreover, it is easy to perform for an urologist who usually uses endourological approaches. It is believed that only Kajbafzadeh et al. have reported their experience with endoscopic injection in the verumontanum in seven patients with structural anomalies, and they had a 42% success rate. Similarly, the current study did not observe perioperative or postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

In this series, endoscopic injection of the verumontanum was considered to be a safe and effective treatment in almost 73% of children with recurrent epididymitis. It did not result in perioperative complications and not contraindicate a subsequent surgical procedure such as vas clipping.

Managing a complex case of hypospadias cripple and chordee

Objectives. Hypospadias is a congenital affliction in which the urethral meatus is located on the underside of the penis. These cases are usually treated during childhood by pediatric surgeons, but more complex forms tend to reoccur, and after several failed attempts end up as hypospadias cripple in the care of urologists at an adult age. The aim of this paper is to present the management of a complex case of hypospadias cripple associated with penile curvature (chordee). Materials and Methods. A 24 year old patient presented in our clinic with hypospadias cripple and ventral penile curvature. At the physical examination we found a penoscrotal urethral meatus, heavy scaring of the distal ventral penis and a ventral chordee of approximately 90 degrees in erect state. A two stage “Bracka” repair technique with buccal mucosa graft was chosen. The first stage of the surgery consisted of removing the scarred and defective distal urethral plate and the fibrotic tissue responsible for the penile curvature, preparing the corpora cavernosa for the graft, clefting the glans, harvesting two buccal mucosa grafts from both inner cheeks, and finally quilting the grafts on the defect. The second stage of the repair was performed after a period of about six months, and consisted in the tubularization of the matured graft and glans plasty. Results and Conclusions. No immediate or late complications occurred after any of the two stages of the surgery; no significant ventral chordee was observed and no urethral fistula occurred till the one year follow-up. A two stage “Bracka” repair technique is best suited for treating these patients, correcting ventral chordee in the first session.