Urethral Prolapse Workup

Updated: Jul 21, 2021
  • Author: Bradley C Gill, MD, MS; Chief Editor: Edward David Kim, MD, FACS  more...
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Workup

Imaging Studies

Routine evaluation with intravenous pyelograms and voiding cystourethrograms is unnecessary except in cases in which there is concern over possible malignancy, prolapsed ectopic ureterocele, or abnormalities of the ureterovesical junction. Magnetic resonance imaging has been used in the evaluation of urethral prolapse and other urethral lesions. [5]

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Diagnostic Procedures

The diagnosis of urethral prolapse is made by verifying that a central opening is present within the prolapsed tissue and that this opening is the urethral meatus. In children, observation during voiding or catheterization of the central opening is diagnostic.In adults, urethral catheterization or cystourethroscopy verifies the presence of the urethral meatus.

Absence of the urethral meatus at the center of the prolapsed mucosa precludes the diagnosis of urethral prolapse.

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Histologic Findings

Urethral prolapse does not have pathognomonic features; however, histological examination reveals ulcerated polypoid tissue composed of fibrovascular stroma with dilated veins and a few organized thrombi. Mucosal edema, vascular thrombosis, and inflammatory cells may also be present.

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