Translabial Ultrasonography with Pulsed Colour-Doppler in the Diagnosis of Female Urethral Diverticula

Abstract

Urethral diverticulum in female can be easy to detect by physical examination but sometimes the diagnosis can be difficult. The classical radiographic diagnosis has traditionally been based on urethrography. Ultrasonographic approach is gaining more acceptance for the diagnosis of female diverticula. Transabdominal (1977), transrectal, transperineal and transvaginal techniques were described earlier. We here present a new and improved technique: i.e. the translabial ultrasonographic approach in combination with pulsed colour-doppler examination. An endovaginal 5 MHz probe was used. The transducer was placed directly against labia minora and the urethral orifice. The character of the diverticula and it's spatial relationship to the urethra could be described in 5 women. There was no need for other radiological examination preoperatively. The advantages of translabial sonographic technique are abscence of ionizing radiation, reduced risk of infection, noninvasivity and comfortability. It is also a quick and reliable technique.

Keywords:

• female urethra
• diverticulum
• sonography
• pulsed colour-Doppler
• urethral tumor