Urethral abnormalities

Abstract

Congenital malformations develop very frequently in the urethra, especially in males, and they present a wide spectrum of severity and anatomical variants. Some of them are very uncommon in clinical practice. Often, abnormalities of the urethra are associated with complex or multiple malformations of the urogenital and extra-urinary system that may pose a challenging problem for its repair. An organic classification is proposed, with a link to the embryological theory of intrauterine development. Therefore, a description of the main diagnostic features and of the therapeutical approach is included, as a guide for the pediatric urologists, urologists, and pediatric surgeons who may encounter cases of these congenital malformations.