Congenital posterior urethral membrane: variable morphological expression.

PURPOSE

We assessed the variable morphological expression of posterior urethral membrane by reviewing video recorded cystoscopy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between December 1990 and July 2000, 86 males newborn to 15 years old undergoing cystoscopy for urethral anomalies were identified with a posterior urethral membrane. Recorded cystoscopy was reviewed and membrane degree was graded as minimal, moderate or severe.

RESULTS

Of the 86 boys with a membranous lesion in the posterior urethra the condition was considered severe in 40, moderate in 21 and minimal in 21. Four patients on whom data were too inadequately recorded to be properly classified were excluded from study.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that congenital posterior urethral membrane represents a spectrum of lesions and may vary in the degree of obstruction.