Akani C I, Pepple D K O, Ugboma H A A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Niger J Med. 2005 Oct-Dec;14(4):396-9. doi: 10.4314/njm.v14i4.37195.
Urethral prolapse is a disease of the prepubertal girls and postmenopausal women. It is rare and seen in most cases as a circular protrusion of the distal urethra through the external meatus.
A retrospective study of cases managed in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) between January 1989 and December 2000 were analysed.
Nineteen (0.4%) excisions of urethral mucosal prolapse out of a total of 4351 gynaecological surgeries were carried out between January 1989 and December 2000 in UPTH. Of the 35 total paediatric gynaecological admissions, there were 17 (49%) cases of urethral prolapse. It occurred commonly between ages 4 and 7 years (63%). Common presenting complaints included vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge and mass protruding from the urethral opening. Excision was found curative in all cases.
There is a place for promotion of female education and community sensitization to encourage early presentation and treatment. This will reduce infectious morbidity and its sequelae in our environment.
