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Urethral Caruncle

Definition

A urethral caruncle is a hyperplasia of the female urethra, usually at 6 o'clock with prolapse and induction of irritative symptoms. A circular urethral caruncle is also known as urethral prolapse.

Etiology of Urethral Caruncle

Urethral caruncles are most commonly found in postmenopausal women. Additional risk factors are pelvic floor dysfunction and micturition with subvesical obstruction (abdominal straining).

Signs and Symptoms

A urethral caruncle appears as a pedunculated hemorrhagic mucosal tumor, based mostly on the dorsal urethral. Furthermore, irritative voiding symptoms, bleeding or local pain may be present.

Treatment of Urethral Caruncles

Surgical Therapy

The clamping of the caruncle allows easy handling. A circular incision of the mucosa is done at the base of the caruncle. The basis of the caruncle is ligated and the caruncle is resected. The mucosa is adapted with 4-0 sutures.

References

Park und Cho 2004 PARK, D. S. ; CHO, T. W.:

Simple solution for urethral caruncle.
In: J Urol
172 (2004), Nr. 5 Pt 1, S. 1884–5

  Deutsche Version: Harnröhrenkarunkel