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Female urethral diverticulum: a pathological insight

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

In this study, we define the histopathological features of female urethral diverticula and attempt to elucidate its pathogenesis and etiology.

Methods

We analyzed 22 clinical records of women diagnosed with urethral diverticula. We collected clinical, surgical, and pathological data. Pathological re-assessment was performed using hematoxylin–eosin and van Gieson stains.

Results

The predominant epithelial types were squamous (41.9%), columnar (31.8%), combined squamous and columnar (18.2%), and cuboidal (13.6%). There was no case of the transitional type. Epithelial ulcerations were present in nine cases. The diverticular wall was composed only of fibrous collagen tissue in all cases. Inflammatory signs were noted in 77.3% of specimens.

Conclusions

Histopathological features of female urethral diverticula match the criteria for paraurethral cysts. Concomitant use of synthetic meshes should be avoided due to the possibility of an infectious etiology. Transvaginal excision of the sac is recommended, while transurethral procedures are contraindicated.

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Acknowledgment

We would like to express our gratitude to Janice M Mayes for her valuable assistance in preparing this manuscript.

Conflicts of interests

None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urologic Surgery, The E. Wolfson Medical Center, P.O. Box 5, Holon, 58100, Israel

    Matvey Tsivian, Alexander Tsivian & A. Ami Sidi

  2. Departments of Pathology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel

    Letizia Shreiber

  3. Department of Pathology, Rabin Medical Center, Hasharon Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel

    Rumelia Koren

  4. Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Matvey Tsivian, Alexander Tsivian, Letizia Shreiber, A. Ami Sidi & Rumelia Koren

Authors
  1. Matvey Tsivian
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  2. Alexander Tsivian
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  3. Letizia Shreiber
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  4. A. Ami Sidi
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  5. Rumelia Koren
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alexander Tsivian.

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Tsivian, M., Tsivian, A., Shreiber, L. et al. Female urethral diverticulum: a pathological insight. Int Urogynecol J 20, 957–960 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-009-0874-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-009-0874-1

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