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Diverticula and Valves of the Anterior Male Urethra

Valves of the male urethra usually start as diverticula due to a defect in the wall of the corpus spongiosum. With further ballooning of the diverticulum, the distal edge becomes obstructive and acts as a valve. The obstruction and the damage to the urinary tract may be as severe as in posterior urethral valves, but it is less likely.

The diagnosis is made by a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), retrograde urethrography, and cystoscopy. Initial bladder drainage is done with a vesicostomy or suprapubic catheter. Definite treatment involves a transurethral incision of the distal edge or open urethral reconstruction.

References

Hajar C, Hajjali IR, Oscar L, Mayes DC. Median raphe cyst: A clinically challenging diagnosis. Clin Pract. 2019 Sep 27;9(3):1176. doi: 10.4081/cp.2019.1176. PMID: 31583066; PMCID: PMC6775486.

  Deutsche Version: Divertikel der männlichen Harnröhre