What is a urethral diverticulum (UD)?
What is a urethral diverticulum (UD)?
Urethral Diverticulum A urethral diverticulum (UD) is a rare condition where an unwanted pocket or sac forms along the urethra, the tube that carries urine (pee) out of the body. UD most often occurs in women; symptoms can include pain, frequent urinary tract infections, blood in urine and incontinence.
What are the surgical options for urethral diverticulitis?
The surgical options you have include: 8 1 A complete removal or the pocket/sac. This is the most likely route your doctor will recommend. 2 Cutting into the neck of the pocket/sac and draining its contents completely. 3 Spence Procedure, which involves making an opening of the urethral diverticulum into the vagina.
Should the diverticular neck of the urethra be closed?
The diverticular neck (the connection to the urethral opening) should be closed. The lining of the diverticular sac should be fully removed to prevent the UD from coming back. A closure with many layers is needed so a new opening doesn’t form between the urethra and vagina.
How long does it take to recover from urethral Diverticulitis surgery?
The recovery from UD surgery usually takes two to three weeks. You’ll need to be on antibiotics for up to a week following surgery. You’ll also have a catheter during the recovery process.
Can a urethral diverticulum cause Luts?
On occasion, a urethral diverticulum may cause obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and rarely, the inability to urinate. The underlying cause of urethral diverticula is often an infection and/or obstruction in the para-urethral glands.
What are the treatment options for urethral diverticula?
Not all urethral diverticula require treatment, particularly if they are small and not symptomatic. Conservative measures that may relieve symptoms include compressing the diverticulum after urinating to preclude the post-void dribbling, antibiotics and using a needle and syringe to aspirate the contents.
What are the possible complications of urethral diverticulum surgery?
A possible serious complication following UD surgery is a urethrovaginal fistula. This is an abnormal path that is created between the vagina and urethra. This condition will require immediate treatment. Once your urethral diverticulum is properly diagnosed and treated surgically by an experienced urologist, your outlook is excellent.
