Variety of congenital urethral lesions in boys with lower urinary tract symptoms and the results of endoscopic treatment

Objectives: We described various types of congenital urethral anomalies seen in boys with LUTS such as refractory enuresis. Their urethrograpic and endoscopic finding were reviewed and the effect of trans-urethral incision (TUI) was analyzed. Patients and Methods: We evaluated 67 boys with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS, mean: 9 years old), in a period of three and a half years. A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) was performed in 37 patients and if we suspected a urethral abnormality, endoscopy was performed. Congenital urethral obstruction was diagnosed from VCUG and endoscopic findings and classified into Types 1, 3 and 4 posterior urethral valves (PUV) according to Douglas Stephens' description. Trans-urethral incision (TUI) was carried out for congenital urethral obstruction and the effect was judged three months later. Results: On VCUG, 17 patients (45.8%) had an abnormal urethral configuration. On endoscopy, nine patients (24.3%) were diagnosed as having PUV. The effect of TUI on PUV excluding Type 3 was 80%, while that on Type 3 was 25%. Discussions: The incidence of PUV compared to bulbar urethral narrowing was significantly different from that described in previous Japanese reports, but similar to other countries. The reason is thought to be the lack of standardized interpretations of VCUG images and endoscopic findings, resulting in the overestimation of the bulbar urethral lesion. Conclusion: The incidence of PUV in Japanese boys with LUTS was higher than had ever been described. The improvement rate by TUI was high in PUV excluding Type 3, but low in Type 3. The ring like strictures at the bulbar urethra may be less important than has previously been thought.