Anterior urethral valves and diverticula in children: a result of ruptured Cowper's duct cyst?
OBJECTIVE
To review a series of children with anterior urethral valves and diverticula, to elucidate the pathophysiology and optimal management of this entity.


METHODS
Nine cases (all boys; 1963 to 2003) were reviewed retrospectively.


RESULTS
Seven of nine boys had bulbar diverticula. Continuity between Cowper's duct and the diverticulum was noted endoscopically in two and confirmed radiographically in one. Initially, open surgery was curative but more recently endoscopic management has been the procedure of choice.


CONCLUSIONS
This series indicates that the distal lip of a ruptured syringocele may function as a flap-valve, leading to anterior urethral obstruction. Advances in imaging and endoscopic instruments have altered the mode of presentation and management of this entity.
Department of Urology, Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. dawn.mclellan@tch.harvard.edu
Dawn L
DL
McLellan
Michael V
MV
Gaston
David A
DA
Diamond
Robert L
RL
Lebowitz
James
J
Mandell
Anthony
A
Atala
Stuart B
SB
Bauer
D002030:Bulbourethral Glands; D002648:Child; D003560:Cysts / Q000150:complications*; D004240:Diverticulum / Q000209:etiology*; D005832:Genital Diseases, Male / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D014521:Urethra / Q000002:abnormalities*; D014522:Urethral Diseases / Q000209:etiology*