Urethral diverticulum

A urethral diverticulum is a condition where the urethra or the periurethral glands push into the connective tissue layers (fascia) that surround it.

Other symptoms include pain localized to the urethra or pelvis and frequent urinary tract infection.

[3] When urethral diverticulum becomes severe, a painful mass can sometimes be felt inside the introitus of the vagina, which can discharge pus.

[1] Other studies that can be used to diagnose urethral diverticulum include intravenous urography, urethroscopy, and/or ultrasound.

Conditions that should be distinguished from urethral diverticulum in a differential diagnosis include overactive bladder, Gartner's duct cyst, Gartner's duct abscess, ectopic caeco-ureterocele, interstitial cystitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, and cancer.

In women, the surgery is conducted transvaginally, usually when there is no acute inflammation to better aid dissection of the delicate tissues.

The urethral sphincters and its smooth muscle, as well as the neck of the bladder, can be injured regardless of the surgical approach.