(megalourethra, macropenis)

Very rare malformation of the male anterior urethra. It is the consequence of the aplasia of the erectile bodies.

One distinguishes:

-        scaphoid type: complete or partial aplasia of the spongy body, resulting in a pseudodiverticular dilation of the ventral part of the urethra.

-        fusiform type (more severe): aplasia of the spongy and cavernous bodies with dilatation of the urethra  all around its circumference.

In both types, urinary stasis occurs leading to functional obstruction of the urethra.

Another congenital anomaly of the urogenital system is present in 80% of cases of scaphoid dilation and 100% of the cases of fusiform dilation: VATER and VACTERL, Prune Belly, duplication of the urethra...

Clinical presentation: major penile dilation at birth (giant pseudopenis in girls) or when passing urine, dysuria, urinary infections, urinary retention.

Anesthetic implications:

check for possible associated malformations. Verify renal function.

References:

-        Hanzaoui M, Essid A, Laabidi B, Ben Attia M, Houissa T.
Méga-urètre congénital : révélation en période néonatale.
Prog Urol 2002 ; 12 : 680-3

-        Advait P, Doshi B, Singh S, Parekh B.
Congenital megaurethra : spectrum of presentation and insights in embryology and management.
Int Surg J 2015 ; 2 : 660-4.

Updated: February 2020