Urethral Diverticulum Specialists

Associated Urologists of North Carolina

Urologists located in Apex, Cary, Clayton, Dunn, Raleigh & Wake Forest, NC

Urethral diverticulum is an uncommon condition that can affect men, but most often appears in women between the ages of 40 and 70. When a urethral diverticulum develops, it’s essential to find a highly skilled surgeon to perform the complex and delicate surgery. The surgeons at Associated Urologists of North Carolina have extensive experience in performing surgery to repair urethral diverticula with excellent results. To schedule a consultation, call one of their seven offices in Apex, Cary, Clayton, Dunn, Raleigh, and Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Urethral Diverticulum Q & A

What is a Urethral Diverticulum?

A urethral diverticulum is an abnormal sac or outpouching that develops in the wall of the urethra, the narrow tube that carries urine out of your body. These pouches may be caused by a weakened area in the urethral wall or by blocked glands located along the urethra.

What Symptoms Develop Due to Urethral Diverticulum?

The type and severity of symptoms vary from one person to the next, and some patients won’t develop noticeable problems. When symptoms appear, you may experience any of the following:

Urinary frequency
Urinary urgency
Urinary retention
Urinary incontinence
Pain or burning during urination
Dribbling after urinating
Pelvic pain
Pain during sexual intercourse
Blood in your urine
Vaginal discharge

Some women may also develop recurrent urinary tract infections. You may also be able to feel a small, tender mass through the vaginal wall.

How Do You Diagnose and Treat Urethral Diverticulum?

During your initial visit, your doctor at Associated Urologists of North Carolina reviews your medical history and does a thorough physical examination. They may also perform urodynamic studies and diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI, to verify the diverticulum.

Surgery is the primary treatment for a urethral diverticulum. If your symptoms are mild, you can’t have surgery, or you prefer to wait until your symptoms get worse before undergoing surgery, your doctor can closely monitor your health with follow-up visits.

You can make an informed decision about when to have surgery after your doctor talks with you about the benefits and risks of surgery and whether you might face potential health problems by waiting to repair the diverticulum.

During surgery, the urethral diverticulum is removed, and the urethral wall is carefully repaired. In some cases, the diverticulum is attached to the urethral opening, making your surgery more delicate than usual.

Following your surgery, you have a catheter in place for several weeks. In 2-3 weeks, you have a voiding cystourethrogram, which is a type of X-ray that allows your doctor to see if urine is flowing properly through the urethra. If your test is normal, your doctor removes the catheter.

Urinary tract symptoms should be evaluated by the team at Associated Urologists of North Carolina to determine the cause of the problem and rule out a urethral diverticulum. To schedule an appointment, call the nearest office today.