Polyps of the urethra in children.

The authors present two cases of polyps of the urethra occurring exclusively in boys: one in a 12-month-old infant, the other in a 15-year-old boy. In both patients the polyp caused dysuria or urinary retention. Diagnosis was based on mictional cystography. This examination usually gives a picture of a filling defect spotted in the area of the bladder neck. During miction the defect may move deeper into the urethra. An endoscopic examination may be also helpful. The authors believe that treatment should consist in total excision of the polyp together with its base through the open urinary bladder. Polyps of the urethra have to be differentiated from a valve of the posterior urethra or a shadowless calculus. After total excision of the polyp prognosis is good.