Urethral prolapse: a retrospective analysis of hospitalized cases in Port Harcourt.

BACKGROUND

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.

METHOD

A retrospective study of cases managed in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) between January 1989 and December 2000 were analysed.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

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.