Use of trans-labial ultrasound in the diagnosis of female urethral diverticula: A diagnostic option to be strongly considered.

AIM: To demonstrate effectiveness of trans-labial ultrasound (TL-US) in the evaluation of female urethral diverticula (UD).

METHODS

In the study period, 20 UD were diagnosed and treated. All data on demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms, physical examination findings, diagnostic and operative procedures, were considered. Patients were referred to TL-US for diverticular evaluation, using a 2D 7.5-MHz endfire probe. For each UD, size, complexity, echogenicity content, and presence of diverticular neck were considered. Follow-up controls were carried out at 1, 6 and 12 months after surgery, to evaluate outcome and need for further intervention.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 46 years (range, 35-55 years) and mean parity was 1 (range, 0-3). The principal symptoms associated with the diverticular mass was dysuria (25%). In all evaluated cases, UD was single (simple in 15 cases and complex in 5). The mean size of the diverticula was 28 mm (range, 8-50 mm). Nineteen diverticula were diagnosed on TL-US, and urethrocystoscopy was carried out for confirmation. Treatment consisted of diverticulectomy. At 1-, 6- and 12-month follow up after surgery, TL-US showed no recurrence of UD in any of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

TL-US is a valid, mini-invasive and reproducible method to diagnose UD.