Question

Describe briefly : Urethral duplication.

Hint:

Urethral duplication can often be managed effectively with surgery, but early diagnosis is key to preventing long-term complications such as urinary tract infections.

Answer 1

Urethral duplication is a rare congenital anomaly where two urethras are present in the same individual. This condition can vary from incomplete duplication to complete duplication with two separate urethral openings.
Step 1: Types of Urethral Duplication:
1. Incomplete Duplication: The most common form, where there is partial duplication of the urethra, often with a single external opening.
2. Complete Duplication: In this case, there are two separate urethral openings, which may be located at different sites on the penis.
Step 2: Clinical Presentation:
1. Difficulty Urinating: The patient may experience difficulty in urination or dribbling, especially in cases of incomplete duplication.
2. Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Increased risk of UTIs due to the abnormal anatomy.
3. Abnormal Urinary Stream: The patient may have an abnormal or split urinary stream.
Step 3: Diagnosis:
1. Physical Examination: Visual inspection and palpation can identify additional urethral openings.
2. Ultrasound and MRI: These imaging techniques are used to assess the anatomy of the urinary tract and identify the location of the duplicated urethra.
3. Retrograde Urethrography: This test provides a detailed view of the urethral anatomy.
Step 4: Management:
1. Surgical Correction: In cases of significant symptoms, surgical intervention may be required to remove the duplicated urethra or to create a single functional urethra.
2. Conservative Management: In less severe cases, conservative treatment with regular monitoring and management of UTIs may be sufficient.