This malformation of the urethra is very rare and often asymptomatic. It occurs most often in boys but cases have been reported in girls. Duplication is generally in the sagittal plane and can be complete or partial. Lateral duplications cause diphalia. Most often, the ventral urethra remains functional with a sphincteral mechanism. The supernumerary urethra can be connected to a prevesical pocket.

There are several anatomical forms:

-        hypospadic: the supernumerary urethra lies below the corpora cavernosa

-        epispadic: supernumerary urethra lies above the corpora cavernosa

-        Y forms where the supernumerary meatus is pelvic or anal.

Several classifications have been proposed:

- Effmann's classification

- Williams and Kenawi's classification, later modified by Mollard:

Other genitourinary malformations can often be associated: renal agensis, bladder exstrophy, vesicoureteral reflux.

Anesthetic implications: 

check renal function

References :  

-        Acimi S, Haouari H, Malah N.
Duplication de l’urètre chez le garçon.
Progrès en Urologie 2003 ; 13 : 698-9.

-        Jouini R, Krichène I, Lefi M, Chelly S, Mekki M, Belghith M, Nouri A.
La duplication urétrale chez le garçon : à propos de 4 cas.
Ann Urol 2003 ; 37 : 288-92.

Updated: July 2017