Acquired male urethral diverticula: presentation, diagnosis and management

Heineke-Mikulicz Principle in a Male With Failed Recurrent Urethral Diverticulum

Urethral diverticulum with a calculus in a male patient is an uncommon phenomenon, in which the management plan differs from one case to another. The formation of calculi can be attributed to the long-standing urinary stasis in the diverticulum leading to recurrent urinary tract infection and stone formation. In our case, a 35-year-old male was treated multiple times with excision and repair of urethral diverticulum leading to recurrent diverticula and calculus formation. He was successfully managed with excision of the defect followed by reconstruction using the Heineke-Mikulicz principle. No recurrence was noted during long-term follow-up.

Placement of an artificial urethral sphincter in 8 male dogs with urethral diverticulum

BACKGROUND

Urethral diverticulum (UD) is a poorly defined anomaly consisting of an outpouching of the urethra. Management without surgical resection is not previously reported in dogs.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

Report the outcome of male dogs presented for urinary incontinence with UD treated with an artificial urethral sphincter (AUS).

ANIMALS

Eight client-owned dogs with UD treated with an AUS.

METHODS

Multicenter retrospective study. Medical records from male dogs with urinary incontinence were reviewed.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

 diagnosis of a UD by retrograde cystourethrography, cystoscopy, abdominal ultrasonography or contrast computed tomodensitometry (CT) or a combination of these modalities, AUS placement, and at least 1 follow-up. Urinary continence score (UCS) was attributed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Median UCS at presentation was 1/5. A contrast cystourethrogram was diagnostic in 8/8 dogs. All diverticula were saccular, and 7/8 were within the prostatic urethra and 1/8 extended up to the membranous urethra. A congenital origin was suspected in 7 dogs and acquired in 1. Concurrent anomalies included renal dysplasia or chronic pyelonephritis (n = 4), bilateral cryptorchidism (n = 3), and pelvic urinary bladder (n = 3). All dogs were poorly/moderately responsive to phenylpropanolamine. Artificial urethral sphincter placement resulted in improvement in continence in all dogs with a median UCS of 4/5 (5/5 in 2/8 dogs, 4/5 in 5/8 dogs, 3/5 in 1/8 dogs).

CONCLUSION

Urethral diverticulum should be considered in male dogs with persistent urinary incontinence not responding to medical management. Artificial urethral sphincter placement is an effective therapeutic option that improved continence scores in all dogs.

Surgical excision of acquired urethral diverticulum and single-stage urethroplasty for a 32-year-old male. Case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Urethral diverticulum (UD) is a saccular dilatation of the urethral wall, continuous with the true urethral lumen. It is categorized etiologically into congenital and acquired. The etiology of an acquired urethral diverticulum is thought to be secondary to trauma. The gold standard imaging modalities for diagnosis of UD are retrograde urethrogram (RGU) and micturating cystourethrogram (MCU). Management options include: nonoperative treatment, minimally invasive and open surgeries. Open surgeries comprise a primary anastomosis or, Substitution urethroplasty after UD excision, with the aim of excising the diverticulum, reestablishing the continuity of the urethra, and prevent urethrocutaneous fistula formation. We present a case of urethral diverticulum and bulbar urethral stricture successfully managed by surgical excision of UD and substitution urethroplasty.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of a 32-year-old man who had lower urinary tract symptoms following a traumatic urethral catheterization. Investigations done in a peripheral hospital revealed a short, bulbar urethral stricture and direct visual internal urethrotomy (DVIU) was done. Later he presented to us with urine retention, whereupon emergency suprapubic cystostomy was performed. After serial investigations, urethral diverticulectomy followed by single stage urethroplasty with ventral onlay buccal mucosa graft was done. He was followed for 12 months with good surgical outcome.

DISCUSSION

The development of Acquired UD has been attributed to several possible factors: pelvic fractures, urethral strictures, straddle injuries, long-term urethral catheterization, endoscopic direct injuries, lower urinary tract infections, and urethral surgeries. Depending on the presentation and investigation findings, management of UD is planned. Conservative management is possible for uncomplicated asymptomatic UD if the patient consents to follow-up. Surgery to remove the diverticulum and urethral reconstruction are required for complicated symptomatic UD; these procedures vary from patient to patient and are individualized.

CONCLUSION

It is important to base the choice to do surgery on the clinical presentation. Whether a concurrent urethral stricture is present is a critical factor in deciding on the best course of surgical treatment. In our case we opted to perform a substitution urethroplasty with ventral onlay buccal mucosa graft as our patient had a long bulbar urethral stricture proximal to the diverticulum.

Acquired Urethral Diverticulum After Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: A Case Report

Acquired urethral diverticula (UD) in males is an uncommon entity, and it is rarely reported after an open simple prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate. Here, we report a unique case of a UD presenting after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in a 69-year-old male with a prostate of 372 g who had five episodes of urine retention over one year despite combined medical treatment with tamsulosin 0.8 mg and finasteride 5 mg. The patient also has elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) with five negative prostate biopsies over the last few years. The procedure lasted six hours with difficult morcellation due to beach balls that took 3.5 hours. There were no intraoperative complications. However, he continued to have mixed urine incontinence and recurrent (six) episodes of urinary tract infection (UTI) in the first postoperative year. On evaluation, his urodynamic study did not reproduce stress urinary incontinence (SUI); however, cystoscopy and retrograde urethrogram diagnosed a 6-cm UD in the bulbar penile urethra with penoscrotal mass. The patient underwent urethral diverticulectomy and urethroplasty with a buccal mucosa graft to correct the defect. Six months after his urethral reconstruction, he continued to have mixed urine incontinence needing two pads/day. Although male UD is a rare condition, our case report seeks to heighten awareness of such a potential rare complication in men with recurrent UTIs and refractory urinary incontinence after prolonged HoLEP for extremely large prostates.

Congenital urethral diverticulum in an adult male patient presenting with anejaculation

Male urethral diverticulum is an uncommon condition typically caused by previous surgeries, inflammation, or trauma. There are very few case reports of primary male urethral diverticulum, with only one report linking it to ejaculatory problems. In this report, we present a rare case of congenital male urethral diverticulum who presented with lower urinary tract symptoms and anejaculation that was successfully treated through open urethral diverticulectomy.

Urinary incontinence secondary to a suspected congenital urethral deformity in a kitten

Case summary

A 5-month-old entire male domestic shorthair kitten was referred for investigation of a month-long history of urinary incontinence. Clinical examination, baseline blood work and imaging (plain radiography and ultrasonography) were unremarkable. Urinalysis documented a urinary tract infection and a retrograde urethrocystogram revealed an outpouching of the pelvic urethra. Surgical exploration revealed the absence of the dorsal portion of the urethral wall in this section of pelvic urethra, replaced by an epithelial lined expanded ‘pouch’. The ventral aspect of the urethra appeared grossly normal. A modified perineal urethrostomy was performed to create an anastomosis of the urethral pouch to the skin of the perineum alongside conventional castration. The kitten made a full recovery and the incontinence resolved within 48 h. A congenital urethral diverticulum and secondary urinary tract infection were deemed the most likely aetiology in this case.

Relevance and novel information

Urethral diverticuli are a rare condition in veterinary medicine. To our knowledge, it has only been reported in two dogs and presumptively in one cat, all of which made a complete recovery after surgical intervention. The present case reports an unusual urethral deformity as a potential differential diagnosis for lower urinary tract signs in a young cat.

Acquired male urethral diverticulum complicated by calculi: A case report

We present the case of a 38-year-old male with a past presumed history of traumatic genitourinary injury. Twenty-one years later, he presented with dysuria, urinary frequency, and urinary urgency and was found to have membranous stricture as well as a urethral diverticulum filled with calculi. For this rare case, we elected surgical management via urethroplasty and a urethral diverticulectomy. We present his clinical course and brief review of the diagnosis and management of male urethral diverticula.

Contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (CEVUS) as a novel technique for evaluation in a case of male urethral diverticulum

Male urethral diverticulum is an uncommon entity, the abnormality being more frequently encountered in females. The pathology may be congenital or acquired and the more frequent acquired type usually occurs following trauma. Afflicted patients usually lack specific symptoms, although in a few instances, symptoms of lower urinary tract obstruction, calculi, or infection may prevail. Imaging investigations utilizing a composite Retrograde urethrography (RGU)– Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) protocol are accepted as standard approach and ultrasound is considered a secondary supplementary investigation. However, recent literature reports the utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as a novel technique in the evaluation of urinary bladder and urethra, for vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) in children and for urethral diverticula in women. We report a case of acquired post-traumatic urethral diverticulum in an adult male patient and document a relatively unexplored novel application of contrast enhanced voiding uro-sonography (CEVUS) for the evaluation of this malady.

Surgical management of a large iatrogenic urethral diverticulum in a male patient: A case report

Acquired urethral diverticula in male patients are a rare finding. We report a case of a 70-year male with a past medical history of type 2 diabetes who presented with post micturition dribbling and a scrotal mass which was identified as a urethral diverticulum. We also outline the surgical management in this patient and review similar cases reported in the literature.

Urethral diverticulum with urethrocutaneous fistula and giant stone: A case report

Male urethral diverticulum is rare and usually associated with urethral obstruction. We report a 62-year-old male presented to emergency room with giant stone coming from scrotum without urinary retention. From clinical findings, a giant stone obviously burst out from his scrotal fistula. Pelvic computed tomography confirmed urethral diverticulum containing a giant stone with multiple smaller stones. Cystourethroscopy was performed to assess diverticulum and luminal obstruction, and no obstruction was found. We performed stones extirpation, diverticulectomy, and urethroplasty consecutively. Intraoperative findings confirmed preoperative detection. Complete stone-free rate and diverticulum removal were successfully accomplished. The patient was discharged postoperatively at day 7.

Suspected congenital urethral diverticulum in a dog

A 2-year-old neutered male dog with a history of urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, and unilateral cryptorchidism was presented with an acute onset of perineal swelling. Urinary contrast studies revealed a urothelial lined structure in the perineum. Surgical resection of 80% to 90% of this structure, suspected to be a congenital urethral diverticulum, was successful.

Urinary catheterization from benefits to hapless situations and a call for preventive measures

Catheter-associated complications are common, expensive, and often preventable by reducing unnecessary catheter usage. These complications range from most common nosocomial infection to uncommon conditions such as urethral diverticula and ischemic necrosis of the penis. Often, removal of a single known essential cause may be sufficient to prevent a disease. This review raises issues associated with urinary catheterization and emphasizes on the need of preventive measures a physician should take to reduce disappointing situations. The main objective of this literature review is to intercept or oppose unwanted catheter use and thereby, the disease processes associated with urinary catheterization. There is well-described literature available on catheter-associated urinary tract infection, but little is known about noninfectious complications resulting from catheter use; therefore, we also tried to draw attention on these unusual complications.

Laparoscopic dissection and division of distal fistula in boys with rectourethral fistula

BACKGROUND

Congenital rectourethral fistula (RUF) is the most common form of anorectal malformations found in boys. The aim of this study is to review our experience with dissection and division of distal fistula using laparoscopic surgery in the management of RUF, especially rectourethral bulbar fistula.

METHODS

One hundred and two consecutive boys with congenital RUF who underwent conventional or single-incision laparoscopic surgery between July 2008 and June 2015 were enrolled in the study. The dissection of the distal fistula was performed along submucosal layer to a level 0.5 cm proximal to the urethra. Rectal mucosa of the fistula was dissected to the distal most point and completely transected flush with the posterior urethra. The residual muscular cuff was ligated with Hem-o-Lock clip or 5-0 PDS suture. Voiding cystourethrography and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging were performed at 3 mo, 6 mo, and 1 y postoperatively.

RESULTS

All patients successfully underwent laparoscopic surgery without conversion. The mean age at the time of operation was 4.3 ± 2.9 mo. The operative times for the rectoprostatic fistula and rectobulbar fistula were similar (118.2 versus 119.4 min, P = 0.082). There was no significant difference in average operative time between conventional laparoscopic surgery group and single-incision laparoscopic surgery group (118.8 versus 119.1 min, P = 0.281). There was no injury to the urethra or vas deferens. The urethral catheter was removed on postoperative day 10. All patients were followed up. The median follow-up period was 3.3 ± 1.8 y. No recurrent fistula or urethral diverticulum was detected on voiding cystourethrography and pelvic MRI at 1 y.

CONCLUSIONS

Submucosal dissection and division of distal fistula using a laparoscopic approach is safe, feasible, and effective for congenital RUF, especially bulbar fistula, in boys.

Acquired male urethral diverticulum: a rare entity treated in a one-stage procedure

Acquired male urethral diverticulum is a rare entity with most of the literature revolving around case reports or small case series. Up to two-thirds of cases are acquired, mostly as a result of trauma, stricture or infection. Infrequently, some cases develop as a complication of urological procedures, or even penile clamping. We present the case of an adult male with lower urinary tract symptoms, recurrent urinary infections and a history of multiple surgeries to treat a complicated perineal fistulae disease. With the help of imaging techniques, a bulbar urethral diverticulum was discovered. Owing to the symptomatic nature of the diverticulum, an open procedure was performed with excision and primary urethral anastomosis. No urinary symptoms were reported and follow-up imaging and flowmetry demonstrated very good functional outcome.

Urethroscrotal Fistula: A Rare Cause of Scrotal Swelling

Background

Urethroscrotal fistula (USF) is an abnormal communication between the urethra and the scrotum. This rare abnormality may be iatrogenic or secondary to perforation of the urethra by a stone. After the passage of urine to the scrotum through the fistula, painless scrotal swelling develops, which disappears completely with manual compression, and voiding can be maintained in this way. Retrograde urethrography (RU) and voiding cystourethrography (VCU) are traditional diagnostic methods, but they have limitations, such as technical difficulties and inability to evaluate the surrounding tissues. Multidetector CT (MDCT), together with reformatted images, can provide valuable information about the surrounding tissues and associated pathologies.

Case Report

We present a case of a 36-year-old male patient who had painless scrotal swelling after cystolithotomy and urethral stone surgery. The patient indicated that the swelling disappeared after manual compression. A fistula between the bulbous urethra and the scrotum was discovered by MDCT. In our case, we believe that the fistula developed iatrogenically during stone excision or secondary to perforation of the urethra by a stone.

Conclusions

As a rare pathology, urethroscrotal fistula should be considered in men with a history of urethral stone surgery and symptoms, including painless scrotal swelling, which can be manually compressed after voiding.

Surgical treatment of an acquired posterior urethral diverticulum with cystoscopy assisted robotic technique

A 42-year-old man with a history of recurrent urethral stenosis, recurrent urinary tract infection and macroscopic hematuria has referred to our clinic. He underwent several internal urethrotomies and currently using clean intermittent self-catheterization. During the internal urethrotomy, we noted a large posterior urethral diverticulum (UD) between verumontanum and bladder neck. His obstructive symptoms were resolved after the catheter removal. But perineal discomfort, urgency and dysuria were prolonged about 3-4 weeks. Urinalysis and urine culture confirmed recurrent urinary tract infections. Due to this conditions and symptoms, we planned a surgical approach which was planned as transperitoneal robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach. This technique is still applied for the diverticulectomy of the bladder. In addition to this we utilized the cystoscopy equipments for assistance. During this process, cystoscope was placed in the UD to help the identification of UD from adjacent tissues like seminal vesicles by its movement and translumination. Operating time was 185 min. On the post-operative third day he was discharged. Foley catheter was removed after 2 weeks. Urination was quite satisfactory. His perineal discomfort was resolved. The pathology report confirmed epidermoid (tailgut) cyst of the prostate. Urethrogram showed no radiologic signs of UD after 4 weeks. Irritative and obstructive symptoms were completely resolved after 3 months. No urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation was noted. While posterior UD is an extremely rare situation, surgical treatment of posterior UD remains uncertain. To our knowledge, no above-mentioned cystoscopy assisted robotic technique for the treatment was described in the literature.

Male urethral diverticulum uncommon entity: Our experience

Out pouching of the urethral wall could be congenital or acquired. Male urethral diverticulum (UD) is a rare entity. We present 2 cases of acquired and 1 case of congenital male UD. Case 1A: 40 year male presented with SPC and dribbling urine. Clinically he had hard perineal swelling. RGU revealed large diverticulum in proximal bulbar, irregular narrow distal urethra and stricture just beyond diverticulum. Managed with perineal exploration, stone removal, diverticulum repair and urethroplasty using excess diverticular wall. Case 2A: 30 year male with obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Retrograde urethrogram (RGU) revealed bulbar urethral diverticulum akin to anterior urethral valve, managed endoscopically. 1 year follow up urine stream satisfactory. Case 3A: 27 year male previously operated large proximal bulbar urethral stone with incontinence. RGU large proximal bulbar UD with wide open sphincter. Treated with excision of excess diverticular wall and penile clamp with pelvic exercises for incontinence. Congenital UD develops due to imperfect closure of urethral fold, Acquired UDs occurs secondary to stricture, infection, trauma, long standing impacted urethral stones or scrotal / skin flap urethroplasties. RGU and MCU are the best diagnostic technique to confirm and characterize the UD. Urethral diverticulectomy with urethral reconstruction is the recommended treatment for UD. UD is a rare entity. Especially in males, congenital are even more rare. Management should be individualized. Surgery can involve innovation and/or surgical modifications. We used excess diverticular flap for stricture urethroplasty in one case.

Acquired male urethral diverticulum: a complication following artificial urethral sphincter implantation

The authors report a case of a 72-year-old patient who underwent radical prostatectomy in 2003 due to prostate cancer. During follow-up, he presented with permanent and severe urinary stress incontinence for which he underwent an artificial urinary sphincter implantation in 2009. After infection of the device, followed by the development of a urinary fistula, the artificial urinary sphincter was removed. He presented no new signs or symptoms for 2 years, during which he remained completely incontinent. In April 2012, he developed a painless scrotal swelling close to the median raphe. On manual compression, it showed urinary leakage and disappeared completely, only to reappear several hours later. Auxiliary examinations revealed a bulbar urethral diverticulum which was subsequently excised. A urethroplasty was performed during the same procedure. The patient presented with no further complications. Although still suffering from complete urinary incontinence, he refused any kind of surgery for the time being.

Traumatic urethral diverticula: a rare malformation of the male urethra

Urethral diverticula are pouches opening into the urethral canal that may be either acquired or congenital. Diverticula of the female urethra are fairly common. However, diverticula of the male urethra are relatively uncommon abnormalities. Clinical manifestation is frequently described with irritative and/or obstructive voiding symptoms or ventral bulging, but manifestation as a scrotal mass is extremely rare. We report a giant urethral diverticulum presenting as a scrotal mass in an adult male.