Name of the Procedure:

Excision of urethral diverticulum (separate procedure); female
Medical term: Urethral diverticulectomy

Summary

This surgical procedure involves the removal of a urethral diverticulum, a pocket or pouch that forms along the urethral wall in females, which can cause discomfort, recurrent infections, or urinary difficulties.

Purpose

Medical Condition: Urethral diverticulum
Goals: To relieve symptoms, prevent recurrent infections, and improve urinary function and overall quality of life.

Indications

Symptoms: Painful urination, recurrent urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, dribbling after voiding, and dyspareunia (pain during intercourse).
Patient Criteria: Females diagnosed with a urethral diverticulum confirmed by imaging studies who experience significant symptoms affecting their daily lives.

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions: Fasting for 6-8 hours prior, adjustments to medications as advised by the physician.
• Diagnostic Tests: Urinalysis, cystoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound to confirm the presence and assess the extent of the diverticulum.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: General or regional anesthesia is administered.
2. Incision: A small incision is made in the vaginal wall to access the urethra.
3. Dissection: The diverticulum is carefully identified and dissected from the surrounding tissues.
4. Excision: The diverticulum is completely removed.
5. Closure: The urethral wall and vaginal incision are closed with sutures.
6. Drainage: A catheter may be placed to allow urine drainage during initial healing.

Tools and Equipment: Surgical instruments for dissection, sutures, catheter.

Duration

Typically, the procedure takes about 1-2 hours.

Setting

Performed in a hospital operating room or a specialized surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeon: Urologist or gynecologist
• Anesthesiologist: Administers and monitors anesthesia
• Nursing Staff: Assists during surgery and provides post-operative care

Risks and Complications

Common Risks: Bleeding, infection, pain, urinary incontinence.
Rare Risks: Urethral stricture, fistula formation, recurrence of the diverticulum, anesthesia-related complications.

Management: Antibiotics for infection, pain medications, and follow-up care to monitor for complications.

Benefits

Expected Benefits: Relief from pain, reduction in recurrent infections, improved urinary function.
Timeline: Benefits typically realized within a few weeks post-surgery.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Urinary catheter care, pain management, antibiotics if needed.
• Recovery Time: Full recovery typically occurs within 4-6 weeks.
• Restrictions: Avoid strenuous activities and sexual intercourse for 4-6 weeks; follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Alternatives

Non-Surgical Options: Observation for asymptomatic cases, antibiotic therapy for infections, pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Surgical Alternatives: Marsupialization (less invasive but not always effective).

Pros and Cons: Non-surgical options may provide temporary relief but do not cure the condition. Marsupialization may be less effective in resolving symptoms entirely compared to excision.

Patient Experience

During Procedure: Under anesthesia, no pain or awareness during surgery.
After Procedure: Mild to moderate pain managed with medications, some discomfort from the catheter.
Pain Management: Pain relief medications prescribed, and instructions for at-home care provided.