Lesions of Cowper's ducts and glands in infants and children.

Lesions of Cowper's duct and gland are more common than previously reported. They may be asymptomatic or may cause micturition difficulties or urinary retention. They may be congenital or acquired (usually inflammatory). Radiographic findings are either a rounded filling defect arising from the floor of the bulbous urethra or reflux into a dilated duct which parallels the bulbomembranous urethra. Panendoscopic fulguration is a simple and effective method of treatment for symptomatic patients with retention cysts. Asymptomatic patients do not need any therapy. A dilated duct should not be confused with partial urethral duplication, a urethral diverticulum, or an ectopic ureter since such an error may lead to an unnecessary operation.