| Review Article | ||
|
|
||
| International Braz J Urol
Official Journal of the Brazilian Society of Urology
|
Vol. 36 (1): 003-009, January - February, 2010 | |
|
CURRENT DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF SYRINGOCELE: A REVIEW
|
||
|
|
||
|
JONATHAN MELQUIST, VIDIT SHARMA, DANIELLA SCIULLO, HEATHER MCCAFFREY, S. ALI KHAN (EDITORIAL COMMENT BY J.C. TRUZZI)
Department of Urology, SUNY at Stony Brook Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York, USA |
||
|
Abstract
|
||
| Cowper's syringocele is a rare but an under-diagnosed cystic dilation of the Cowper's ducts and is increasingly being recognized in the adult population. Recent literature suggests that syringoceles be classified based on the configuration of the duct's orifice to the urethra, either open or closed, as this also allows the clinical presentations of 2 syringoceles to be divided, albeit with some overlap. Usually post-void dribbling, hematuria, or urethral discharge indicate open syringocele, while obstructive symptoms are associated with closed syringoceles. As these symptoms are shared by many serious condi¬tions, a working differential diagnosis is critical. Ultrasonography coupled with retro and ante grade urethrography usually suffices to diagnose syringocele, but supplementary procedures - such as cystourethroscopy, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging - can prove useful. Conservative observation is first recommended, but persistent symp¬toms are usually treated with endoscopic marsupialization unless contraindicated. Upon reviewing the literature, this paper addresses the clinical anatomy, classification, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of syringoceles in further detail. | ||
| Key
Words: Cowper's glands; dilation; urethral obstruction; perineum; urinary incontinence
Int Braz J Urol. 2010; 36: 3-9 |
||