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Female Urethral Diverticula: a Contemporary Narrative Review of Aetiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

  • Voiding Dysfunction Evaluation (B Brucker and B Peyronnet, Section Editors)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To perform a contemporary review of the current literature on female urethral diverticula (UD) relating to aetiology and pathophysiology, classification, diagnostic evaluation and treatment.

Recent Findings

A search of the Medline/PubMed electronic database was performed up to January 2022. Further studies were chosen on the basis of manual searches of reference lists and review papers. The new EAU non-neurogenic female LUTS guideline has been used as the basis for this review. A further up-to-date search has been carried out to update the evidence.

Summary

There are no high quality trials. The evidence is based on small series and case reports given the low incidence of the disease. UD is a rare condition and diagnosis relies on high index of suspicion. MRI is the gold standard investigation, but urodynamics should be considered in cases with significant associated lower urinary symptoms. The most established treatment option is urethral diverticulectomy but patients should be carefully counselled about the risk of complications.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    A. U. Nic an Ríogh

  2. Department of Urology, San Agustín University Hospital, Avilés, Spain

    S. Monagas Arteaga

  3. 2nd Department of Urology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sismanogleion Hospital, Athens, Greece

    L. Tzelves

  4. Department of Urology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, Irakleio, Greece

    M. Karavitakis

  5. Department of Urology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK

    A. K. Nambiar

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Nic an Ríogh, A.U., Monagas Arteaga, S., Tzelves, L. et al. Female Urethral Diverticula: a Contemporary Narrative Review of Aetiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep 17, 250–256 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-022-00666-3

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