Urethral Polyp: A Rare Cause of Urethral Obstruction in Newborns and Children with Special Needs-A Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: Urethral polyps (UPs) are rare benign urethral tumours that may cause significant bladder outlet obstruction or remain asymptomatic for many years. Although uncommon, UPs must be considered in paediatric patients with persistence of lower urinary tract symptoms or mild ultrasound dilation. Thus, we retrospectively reviewed our experience in UP diagnosed in our Paediatric Urology Division.

CASE PRESENTATION: We enrolled three paediatric cases of UP, including one associated with Noonan syndrome and one with Down syndrome, underscoring diagnostic challenges in syndromic cases. Patients underwent urinary tract ultrasound and then voided cystourethrogram. Diagnosis was confirmed by urethrocystoscopy performed in the operating room under general anaesthesia. All patients were managed with endoscopic resection. Histological examination revealed fibroepithelial polyp characteristics. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with complete resolution of urinary symptoms (dysuria, haematuria, urinary retention, intermittent voiding and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)). During the average follow-up period of 2.5 years, no UP recurrence was detected.

CONCLUSIONS: This report highlights the need for heightened clinical vigilance for UPs in children with dysfunctional voiding, especially those with syndromic conditions. Furthermore, careful evaluation of minor signs suggestive of urethral abnormalities that can be detected by bladder ultrasound is recommended. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent long-term renal complications and enhance patient outcomes.