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AbstractBackground and Purpose:Flexible ureteroscopes are fragile devices, and the costs associated with their repair and replacement can be considerable. Although surgical use can degrade ureteroscope function, the cleaning and sterilization process can also cause great damage. We performed a study to define the effect of having the urology nursing staff process and sterilize all ureteroscopes, rather than the central processing core; the total repair cost and cost per use were analyzed.Materials and Methods:From April 2007 to March 2008, all ureteroscopes were processed by the urology nursing staff. We analyzed the average cost per use as a measure of the effectiveness of this strategy. For all endoscopic stone removal cases, a flexible ureteroscope is opened onto the operative field; therefore, after every endoscopic procedure, the flexible ureteroscope needs processing and sterilizing. The number of times each ureteroscope was processed and the type and cost of repairs were recorded.Results:From April 2007 to March 2008, 11 ureteroscopes were processed 478 times; average uses before repair was 28.1. Seven ureteroscopes were returned for repair because of: loss of deflection (2); loss of fiberoptic bundles (2); failed leak test (3). No ureteroscope damage was because of processing. The total repair cost in this 12-month period was $57,664.50. Amortizing repair costs over use gives a value of $120.63 cost per use.Conclusions:Training the urology nursing staff to clean and sterilize ureteroscopes is a reasonable means to reduce processing-related damages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Here we present a case of successful non-operative management of an iatrogenic recto-urethral fistula in a 13-year-old boy. The fistula was created when urethroscopic repair of a urethral stricture was attempted. Due to the anatomy of the lesion and previous urinary diversion, it was deemed possible to spare this patient diverting colostomy or surgical repair of the fistula. The result was successful closure of the fistula, which was confirmed on retrograde urethrogram. While we do not support the routine use of non-operative management for recto-urethral fistulas we have demonstrated that there are circumstances where it can be safely applied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Congenital urethral diverticula are a rare finding in adult males. Most cases are diagnosed in childhood or adolescence because of voiding symptoms such as urinary dribbling. Diagnostic workup should include radiography and urethroscopy. The standard therapeutic approach is open surgical excision or endoscopic marsupialization. An unusual case of male congenital urethral diverticula that remained asymptomatic until age 57 is presented. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible retrograde ureteroscope is now being widely used in endoscopic management of the urinary calculi. We report technique of supine ante grade flexible ureteroscopy in treating impacted upper and mid ureteric calculi in a pediatric patient. A six year-old boy with a history of acute right ureteric colic was investigated and found to have right upper and middle impacted ureteric calculi. He was planned for ureteroscopy, but the intramural part of the ureter could not be dilated. Hence, a decision was taken to do an antegrade flexible ureteroscopy in the supine position. An antegrade renal access was established in the supine position using ultrasound- guided puncture, a 22 Fr Amplatz was placed after serial dilatation of the tract and the stones were accessed using a flexible ureteroscope. The stones were then disintegrated using holmium laser. The ureter was stented at the end of the procedure. IVU done after six months revealed normal right kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urethral stricture disease in men has traditionally been investigated with ascending and voiding cystourethrography as well as urethroscopy. The main emphasis during the preoperative assessment is on establishing the exact extent of the disease process in order to plan appropriate management. We describe a technique that represents a novel approach to the assessment of proximal urethral stricture and in selected cases would be of immense help in defining its precise nature and planning definitive treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A 75-year-old female presented with a 7-month history of intermittent macrohematuria and urinary retention. Physical examination revealed a firm, round mass on the anterior vaginal wall. The diagnosis by urethroscopy and radiological evaluation was localized urethral diverticular tumor. Pathological examination of the biopsy specimen revealed adenocarcinoma. The patient received two courses of intra-arterial and systemic chemotherapy using cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin, followed by radiation to the urethra. The tumor shrunk markedly after chemotherapy. The patient underwent total urethrectomy and vesicostomy. Two years after the operation, she had no evidence of recurrence. Adenocarcinoma of the female urethral diverticulum is rare and has been treated by surgery and/or radiation. The present case is the first case of it being treated by multimodality therapy including chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background: A 21-year-old man presented with a sudden onset of miction pain and post-void dribbling. The diagnosis was Cowper's syringocele due to the findings of retrograde urethrography and urethroscopy. Methods/Results: The patient underwent transurethral unroofing of the syringocele. The present case is of interest because Cowper's syringocele is usually diagnosed in male infants and children and is rarely found in adults. Conclusion: This lesion should be included in the differential diagnosis of voiding disturbances in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background: We describe a rare case of malignant melanoma originating from the male urethra. Methods/Results: This case, which presented a tan-colored lesion at the distal urethra on urethroscopy, was considered as transitional cell carcinoma by transurethral biopsy. Pathologic examination of widely resected urethra revealed scattering cells, which included melanin granules in cytoplasm, and then immunohistochemical stains established the diagnosis as amelanotic melanoma. Although partial penectomy and inguinal lymph node dissection were subsequently performed, 7 months later, total cystourethrectomy was required because of multifocal recurrence at the residual urethra. Conclusions: In cases of amelanotic melanoma, it should be noted that a lack of melanin granules in tumor cells may lead pathologists and urologists to a misdiagnosis due to the histologic non-specific appearance. With respect to surgical management, of significance is the fact that malignant melanoma may progress multifocally along the total urethra; therefore, total urethrectomy should be considered as radical surgery for the primary site, even if the tumor is confined to the distal urethra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To summarize and analyze the experience in the diagnosis and treatment of sexual activity-related hematuria., Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 cases of sexual activity-related hematuria treated in Changhai Hospital from October 2015 to April 2019. The patients ranged in age between 31 and 59 years, with a disease course of 2 weeks to 25 years, 6 complaining of urethral bleeding at penile erection and another 6 hematuria immediately after ejaculation, including 2 accompanied by hemospermia. All the patients underwent urethroscopy and cauterization of the lesioned urethral mucosa with the electric excision ring or holmium laser. In addition, one of the patients received seminal tract endoscopic exploration and seminal vesicle irrigation, and another one seminal tract endoscopy and transurethral resection of the prostate., Results: All the patients were diagnosed with posterior urethral varicosity, one accompanied with bulbar and posterior urethral varicosity, one with seminal vesiculitis, and still another with BPH. The patients were followed up for 3－45 (mean 23.5) months, during which the symptoms of sexual activity-related hematuria disappeared in 11 cases, with smooth urination and no recurrence, and post-ejaculation hematuria developed in one case at 2 and 10 months postoperatively but never again thereafter. No complications, such as epididymitis, urethral stricture and ED, were observed in any of the patients., Conclusions: Urethral varicosity should be first considered in patients with painless hematuria immediately after penile erection or sexual activity though other conditions such as seminal vesicle bleeding can also be taken into account. Urethroscopy combined with seminal tract endoscopy is effective in the diagnosis and treatment of sexual activity-related hematuria.

The article focuses on the use of 3D printed bladder model to simulate the urethrovesical anastomosis (UVA) task during a minimally invasive prostatectomy. It discusses the evolution of the 3D printed bladder model, the process of performing a UVA task on the 3D printed bladder model, and the positive outcome of the bladder model on UVA.

Cowper's gland syringoceles are rare cystic dilations of the Cowper's gland duct. They are typically diagnosed in childhood but occasionally occur in adults. We report the case of a 28-year-old man who presented with a painful perineal and inferior scrotal mass and was found to have a large Cowper's gland syringocele extending into the scrotum associated with a scrotal abscess. Treatment consisted of surgical excision. The magnetic resonance imaging findings of this case are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the issue related to management of Urogenital fistulae (UGF) in South Africa, which is considered as a complication observed in obstetrics and gynaecology. Topics discussed include strategies to prevent UGF such as empowering girls and women and family planning, concern related to rise of maternal mortality in South Africa, and need to encourage gynaecologists to perform cystourethroscopy.

The author reflects on lower urinary tract symptoms. Topics discussed include prostatic urethral lift therapy, compression and tethering of prostatic glandular tissue to the outer prostatic capsule to open prostatic urethra, and the UroLift technology of Neotract Inc. Also discussed are the implantation and effect of Urolift implants.

The author discusses various researches which aim to develop urine markers for optimal bladder cancer (BC) identification. The author says that the markers being developed possess lower specificity and higher sensitivity than conventional cytology. Furthermore, he relates the study by Ashish M. Kamat and colleagues which reveals cystourethroscopy (CUS) as the most cost-effective surveillance strategy for the diagnosis of non-muscle-invasive BC (NMIBC).

Abstract: Urethral hair and diverticula are well described long-term complications following urethroplasty or hypospadias repair. Endoscopic laser ablation is an uncommonly reported treatment option for a symptomatic hair-bearing urethra, and holmium laser hair epilation has not been previously reported in the literature. We report the first case of urethroscopic holmium laser ablation of urethral diverticular hair follicles and the outcome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Cysto-urethroscopy or cystoscopy is an important tool for the practicing urologist for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. The indications for cystoscopy vary widely from centre to centre. We describe our experience with this tool. Materials and Methods: We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of patients who had rigid cystoscopy at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Symbol specialist hospital, Nnewi and Borromeo specialist hospital Onitsha, all in Anambra State, Southeast,Nigeria in the period January 2004 to December 2009. All indications were as reported in the initial diagnosis for all the patients. Results: A total of one hundred and eleven patients had cystoscopy during the study period. Most of the patients who had cystoscopy were in the seventh48 (43.3%) and fifth26 (23.4%) decades of life. The male to female ratio was 2:1. The commonest indication for cystoscopy was for investigation of bladder tumors in 50(45.0%) of the patients. Other indications were for the investigation of hematuria in 31(28.0%) patients, hydronephrosis in 13(11.8%), urethral stricture 9(8.1%), cystitis 2(1.8%), bladder calculi 3(2.7%), prostatitis 1( 0.9%), bladder fistula 1(0.9%), and urinary incontinence 1(0.9%). Conclusion: The indications for Cystoscopy vary from centre to centre. In our experience, the most common indication is for bladder tumors. The procedure is well tolerated by patients with a low incidence of morbidity. Studies have shown that the flexible cystoscope offers more advantage in that it is less invasive and can be done under local anaesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary genitourinary melanoma accounts for less than one per cent of all cases of melanoma. Most cases attributed to the prostate actually originate from the prostatic urethra. Due to its infrequency, primary malignant melanoma of the genitourinary tract presents a difficult diagnostic and management challenge. We report a case of primary malignant melanoma of the prostate found during transurethral resection of the prostate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the preventive effect of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (tadalafil) on the formation of urethral stricture after urethral injury.Materials and Methods: A total of 28, 4-month-old male New Zealand rabbits were included and divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was a sham group with 8 rabbits that underwent only urethroscopy. Group 2 was a nontreatment group with 10 rabbits that underwent urethral electrocoagulation without any treatment. Group 3 was the treatment group with 10 rabbits that underwent urethral electrocoagulation with systemic tadalafil treatment. After 30 days of follow-up, urethroscopy and retrograde urethrography were performed to evaluate the morphological changes in the urethra. The urethra tissues were examined with standard light microscopy by a histologist, and apoptosis was evaluated by the terminal dUTP nick end-labeling assay.Results: Urethral diameters in group 1, group 2, and group 3 were 9.14 ± 0.73 mm, 3.52 ± 1.2 mm, and 7.68 ± 1.14 mm, respectively. The differences in urethral diameters were statistically significant between groups (P < .01). Collagen deposition in submucosal connective tissue was significantly less in the tadalafil group vs the nontreatment group. The numbers of apoptotic cells in submucosal connective tissue were also quantitatively higher in urethral stricture groups compared to the sham group.Conclusion: Tadalafil treatment had a protective effect against the formation of urethral stricture in rabbit model. This treatment can be a promising opportunity for urethral stricture and must be supported by clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of acute urinary retention in a 13-month-old boy, secondary to a perforate Cowper's syringocele. Diagnosis was established with voiding cystourethrogram, transperineal ultrasound and urethroscopy; definitive management involved endoscopic unroofing of the syringocele and resolution of the patient's obstructive signs and symptoms followed. Although novel diagnostic and therapeutic options have been reported, standard urethrographic imaging and endoscopic management is appropriate for the majority of symptomatic Cowper's syringoceles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the second case of prolapsing anterior urethral polyp, which was diagnosed on urethral ultrasonography and was confirmed on cystourethroscopy, successfully treated by transurethral resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines an insertional hernia after suprapubic catheter insertion. Identification of a tight bladder neck stricture by flexible urethroscopy; Influence of a persistent bladder outlet obstruction on hernia development; Complication of herniation.

The article presents a case study regarding the congenital prostato-urethral fistula caused by persistence of the mesonephric duct that developed in an adult with a lifelong history of perianal urinary leakage on voiding. This disease was developed when he was four months old. Though urethroscopy showed a normal bladder, prostate and urethra, an antegrade cystourethrogram demonstrated a fistula between the prostatic urethra and the anal verge.

Introduction: Disorders of sex development (DSD), defined as congenital condition associated with atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal, and phenotypic sex abnormalities, is a social burden for the neonatal period, yet there's still limited data on the incidence, diagnostic and management of DSD. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from medical records of patients with DSD managed by urologist, pediatric endocrinologist, and reproductive gynaecologist at CiptoMangunkusumo Hospital from January 2005 to July 2014. The 2006 International Intersex Consensus Conference Participant (IICCP) classification was used as classification. The profile and management of DSD were evaluated. Results: Out of 182 DSD cases, type 46 XX DSD had the highest incidence (46%) with majority of CAH, followed by 46 XY DSD (33%) with majority of AIS. Most cases were diagnosed at = 1 year of age (41%) and = 11 years (31%). As many as 83% of 46 XY DSD cases were raised as male, and 83% of 46 XX DSD cases were raised as female. Genitography had been used in 11 cases, urethroscopy and colposcopy used in 7 case, and diagnostic laparoscopy in 13 case. thirty persent of 46XY cases raised as a female having cross gender assignment, while 3/14 of 46 XX cases raised as male having cross gender assignment. Medical treatment was the most common treatment for Turner syndrome and CAH, while AIS was mostly treated with orchidopexy, and a total of 73 surgeries were done in all case. Conclusion: Most cases of DSD in CiptoMangunkusumo Hospital were CAH and AIS. Genitography, urethroscopy and colposcopy, and diagnostic laparoscopy have been used in the diagnosis of DSD. Forty percentof all DSD cases were treated with surgical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) affects ∼1% of children. We present an unusual case of urinary retention secondary to an obstructing urethral stone, underlying reflux, and its management. A 7-year-old boy presenting with acute urinary retention had a palpable penile shaft swelling and patent urethral meatus on examination. Cysto-urethroscopy with a 6.6Fr ureteroscope, due to unavailability of paediatric instruments, revealed an obstructing calculus impacted in the navicular fossa. This was laser fragmented and extracted. Cystoscopy revealed multiple bladder calculi with a patulous right ureteric orifice. Post-operative investigations revealed a small, scarred right kidney (ultrasound), bilateral ureteric reflux (micturating-cystourethrogram), 4 cm by 0.8 cm right ureteric calculus (CT-KUB) and 4% right split renal function (DMSA). Right laparoscopic nephroureterectomy was subsequently performed. Our case highlights the variety with which VUR can present and the effectiveness of a ureteroscope in an emergency setting as an alternative to a paediatric cystoscope to visualize the urethra and the bladder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystoscopy has become an important and widely available component of the diagnostic evaluation of diseases of the lower urinary tract in dogs and cats. In addition, a large number of cystoscopic guided procedures have been described that can be used to treat disease processes that were previously treatable only with invasive surgical procedures. This article reviews the indications and contraindications for cystoscopy, cystoscopy equipment and techniques for male and female dogs and cats, potential complications associated with cystoscopy, and management options for these complications., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To compare 2 urethral stricture models and determine the appropriate model for the generation of urethral stricture in rabbits. Methods: A total of 28 adult male New Zealand rabbits were included in the present study. They were separated randomly into 3 groups. Urethroscopy was performed using a pediatric resectoscope (13F). In 1 group (10 rabbits), circumferential electrocoagulation of the anterior urethra 2-3 mm long was performed until ulceration of the mucosa occurred. In the second group (10 rabbits), 2-3 mm wide resection from the anterior urethra was performed that was deep enough to expose the periurethral tissue to allow urine leakage from the lumen. The remaining 8 rabbits as the control group underwent only urethroscopy. On the 30th day, retrograde urethrography and urethroscopy were performed to evaluate urethral stricture formation. Histologic examination was done to evaluate the urethral pathologic changes. Results: According to the urethrography and urethroscopy findings, no rabbits in the electrocoagulation or control group developed urethral stricture; however, significant stricture formation was observed in every case of the electroresection group. Regenerating urothelium at the luminal side of the urethra was seen in 6 rabbits in the electrocoagulation group and 4 showed normal urethra. In the electroresection group, extensive fibrosis that obstructed the urethral lumen and nodular collagen bundles in the urethral wall were seen. Conclusion: The electroresection method is more reliable than the electrocoagulation method in developing urethral stricture in the rabbit model. A 2-3-mm-wide resection from the anterior urethra can successfully generate urethral stricture with respect to electrocoagulation. Electroresection offers an ideal animal model for generating urethral stricture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor and a reply are presented about the article on the little diagnostic benefit of urethral microscopy on men presenting with dysuria but without discharge or with penile skin conditions in a 2011 issue.

Purpose: Prostatic utricle comes from an incomplete regression of the MÜllerian structures. Only those that are symptomatics presenting UTI or incontinence, should be considered for surgery. We present our experience with the laparoscopic approach for prostatic utricle resection in 5 patients with a mean age of 9.5 y.o (5-16). Material and Methods: The procedure begins with a cystourethroscopy and catheterization of the utricle with a Fogharty or a cystoscope, that is left inside the prostatic utricle to facilitate subsequent identification and mobilization during the procedure. Laparoscopy was conducted via a 10 mm port inserted through an umbilical incision. Two more 5 mm working ports were inserted at the right and left mid-abdomen. Resection of the utricle is done by electric monopolar cautery hook. Results: In all five boys resection was satisfactory except in one case that needed open conversion due to bleeding. Mean operative time was 165 min (120-240). Conclusions: Laparoscopic resection is a minimally invasive approach and cystocopy offers a good help and safe dissection of the utricule. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Urethral duplication is a rare congenital anomaly. We report the clinical presentation, imaging findings and surgical treatment in a patient with Y-type duplicated urethra. Material and Methods: 2 years old boy presented to our clinic with voiding through his anus and urine dribbling from the urethral meatus at the center of the glans. He had an urethral meatus and a second anal urinary meatus on physical examination . Retrograde and voiding cystourethrograms and cystourethroscopy showed the Y-type urethral duplication with stenosis of the dorsal orthotopic urethra and a ventral dominat urethra placed in the anal opening that was functionally normal. The patient was treated with 2-stage urethral reconstruction. At first, ventral dominant anal urethra was transposed to the perineum followed by urethroplasty 6 months later. Proximal to distal steps of the urethroplasty were; 2 cm penile skin tubularization, 4cm preputial island flap tubularization, marsupialization of the dorsal orthotopic urethra, 2cm preputial inlay grefting between the incised dorsal urethral plate, preputial onlay flap to augment the dorsal urethral plate and finally tubularization of all parts to form ‘Thiersch type’ neourethra. Results: After 1 year of follow-up, no urethrocutaneous fistula developed and the patient now voids spontaneously through a meatus located normally at the tip of the glans. Conclusions: While the ideal surgical management of urethral duplication anomalies remains uncertain, we used a combination of surgical techniques to correct this severe malformation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: It might be diffucult to evaluate the clinically significant residual valve remnants and strictures, and make a judgement for the re-operation after the ablation of posterior urethral valve. In this research, clinical and radiological parameters are examined in cases with residual valve remnants. Material and Methods: Between 1986-2009, a total of 127 valve patients were treated in our clinic and the records of 101 patients, who had regular follow-up, were included to the study. Of these 101 children, the records of 10 patients, who were found to have residual valve or stricture after ablation, were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Endoscopic intervention due to the residual valve remnants or stricture was performed after a mean period of 7.25±4.7 months following the first ablations. In 2 (20%) of the cases, urethra has been found to be normal in the first radiological evaluation (voiding cystourethrography). Of these 2 children, urethroscopy was conducted due to the recognition of the valve remnants in the follow-up of vesicoureteral reflux in one case and during evaluation of persistent hydroureteronephrosis in the other case. Two out of 8 cases who had the radiological appearance of obstruction in the early period, were found to have strictures. In the other 6 cases, the residual valve remnants were incisized. In the follow-up, endoscopy was re-conducted on the 2 out of 8 cases due to strictures. Conclusions: In our series, almost 10% of the cases were found to have residual valve or strictures. Although about one fifth of the cases were seen to be normal in the first radiological examination, valve remnants were found in the clinical follow-up evaluations due to the persistent hydrourethronephrosis and vesicoureteral reflux. For this reason, the operation decision should be given in the light of the clinical and radiological evaluations together to find the significant valve remnants and strictures following valve ablation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Judging the significance of valve remnants at check cystourethroscopy after ablation of posterior urethral valves (PUV) can be difficult. In November 2006, our Department adopted a policy of performing a repeat micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG) prior to check cystourethroscopy three months after primary PUV ablation. The aim of this study is to determine the predictive value of repeat MCUG for further valve resection at check cystourethroscopy. Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the operative notes and MCUG (performed by Consultant Paediatric Radiologists) of all 31 boys with PUV who had a check cystourethroscopy with pre-operative MCUG between November 2006 and October 2008. Results: Repeat MCUG indicated remnant valves in ten boys, but no residual leaflets could be identified at subsequent endoscopy in four. In 21 boys, the PUV appeared completely ablated on MCUG. However, on cystourethroscopy, valve leaflets thought to necessitate resection were present in nine. Taking the degree of persistent posterior urethral dilatation on MCUG into consideration did not improve the test''s ability to anticipate residual valve leaflets at check cystourethroscopy. The positive predictive value of repeat MCUG for subsequent resection of valve remnants is 60%; the negative predictive value is 57%. Conclusions: Repeat MCUG after primary PUV ablation portends further resection of valve remnants at subsequent check cystourethroscopy in only 60%. Importantly, where complete PUV ablation is shown radiologically, remnant leaflets deemed significant are found on endoscopy in 43%. We recommend check cystourethroscopy three months after PUV ablation; pre-operative repeat MCUG is unprofitable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: To report our experience of laparoscopic excision of symptomatic prostatic utricles in children. Methods: five males were treated from February 2002 to February 2007. Age at surgery was between 3 and 12 years (mean 7.6). four patients showed severe hypospadias. Three patients presented with urogenital infections. Laparoscopic procedures were performed using a 12 mm umbilical trocar for the camera and 3, 5 mm trocars for instruments placed in the suprapubic region and iliac fossa bilaterally. Cysto-urethroscopy and cannulation of the prostatic utricle was initially undertaken with a cystoscope that was left in situ inside the prostatic utricle to facilitate subsequent identification and mobilization during the laparoscopic procedure in the first patien. The remnants were ligated with endoscopic loops or Hem-O-Lock. Results: Laparoscopic excision of the prostatic utricle was successful in all five patients. The urethral defect was closed by intracorporeal suturing in three patients while the defect was small enough to be adequately closed by ultrasonic coagulation in two. The mean (range) operative duration was 108 (80.140) min. All five patients recovered uneventfully with no complications. Conclusions: Laparoscopic excision is effective for symptomatic prostatic utricles, offering a good surgical view and decreases surgical risk and operative time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]