Transvaginal surgical repair of large urethral diverticula with bipedicle double-opposing flaps of the periurethral fascia.

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to describe a novel technique for transvaginal repair of large (> 4 cm) female urethral diverticulum (UD) using bipedicle double-opposing flaps of the periurethral fascia and to evaluate long-term follow-up.

METHODS

The medical records of 29 women who underwent transvaginal excision of UD at our institution were reviewed retrospectively. Seventeen cases with UD > 4 cm were included in the study. Cystourethroscopy was performed at the beginning of the surgery, and in 60% of cases the orifice of the diverticulum was identified. An inverted-U incision was performed at the vaginal anterior wall. The periurethral fascia was incised longitudinal at the midline and parallel to the urethra. The diverticular sac was dissected and resected. The neck of the diverticulum was closed with 4/0 vicryl suture. The periurethral fascia was sutured using bipedicle double-opposing flaps with interrupted 3/0 vircyl suture. The vaginal mucosa was sutured with 2/0 vicryl continuous suture.

RESULTS

All 17 women with large UD were operated on using bipedicle double-opposing flaps of the periurethral fascia. Follow-up of 5 ± 2.4 years yielded no recurrence and no other late complications.

CONCLUSION

Using bipedicle double-opposing flaps of the periurethral fascia during transvaginal excision of large UD is safe and effective.