title: Long-term Follow-up of Median Raphe Cysts and Parameatal Urethral Cysts in Male Children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To clarify the long-term outcome of median raphe cysts (MRCs) and parameatal urethral cysts (PUCs) in males, the clinical, anatomical, and histological findings of these cysts are described, along with treatment and follow-up.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-six children diagnosed with PUCs and 23 children with MRCs at our institute during the past 14 years were retrospectively reviewed. The indications for surgery were symptoms or family preference. Telephone interviews of the parents or patients were conducted to ascertain the current condition of the cyst at a median age of 12.2 years. Fifty-nine children (85.5%) agreed to the telephone interview.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median age at first presentation was 41 months; 81% of children were asymptomatic. The main symptoms were voiding symptoms with PUCs and pain of the ruptured cyst in MRCs. A total of 41 (59%) children underwent complete excision at a median age of 58 months. No recurrences were encountered with surgery in all children. Of 28 children managed nonoperatively, 22 agreed to an interview. All children (95.5%), except for 1, remained free of symptoms. Six cysts showed spontaneous resolution at a median age of 24 months, and 15 improved or stabilized. No one was concerned about the genital appearance and opted for surgical intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Complete excision of the cyst is a durable procedure without recurrences in childhood. In the nonoperative management, several cysts may continue to be free of symptoms during childhood, and some cysts may resolve spontaneously during the first 2 years.
authors: Department of Urology, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan.
authors: Satoko
authors: S
authors: Matsuyama
authors: Department of Urology, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan. Electronic address: f.matsui@mch.pref.osaka.jp.
authors: Futoshi
authors: F
authors: Matsui
authors: Department of Urology, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan.
authors: Koji
authors: K
authors: Yazawa
authors: Department of Urology, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan.
authors: Fumi
authors: F
authors: Matsumoto
authors: Department of Urology, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan.
authors: Kenji
authors: K
authors: Shimada
authors: Department of Pathology, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan.
authors: Keiko
authors: K
authors: Matsuoka
mesh_terms: D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000072700:Conservative Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D003560:Cysts / Q000151:congenital* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D019468:Disease Management; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D010409:Penile Diseases / Q000151:congenital* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014522:Urethral Diseases / Q000151:congenital* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D013521:Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male / Q000379:methods*