Congenital urethral diverticulum with a large stone in a 16-year-old male: a case report

BMC Urol. 2025 Jan 15;25(1):6. doi: 10.1186/s12894-025-01692-z.

Abstract

Background: Urethral diverticulum is a sac-like dilation that extends from the urethral lumen and is connected to it. It can either be congenital or acquired, with the latter being more common. The development of calculi is rare in such patients. Management is tailored based on the patient's symptoms and findings from investigations.

Case presentation: A 16-year-old African male presented with recurrent urinary tract infections and a burning sensation during urination. He was diagnosed with a congenital Urethral diverticulum in the bulbar urethral containing a large stone based on the findings of echography and retrograde urethrogram. He underwent urethral diverticulectomy and stone removal, and was discharged without any complications.

Conclusion: This case illustrated the uncommon presentation of congenital Urethral diverticulum with a large calculus. The cause of congenital urethral diverticula is unknown, with multiple theories proposed. The reason behind the development of such a large stone is most likely due to insufficient medical services and delayed diagnosis in the patient's environment.

Keywords: Calculi; Congenital abnormalities; Diverticulum; Male urologic surgery; Urethra..

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Diverticulum* / complications
  • Diverticulum* / congenital
  • Diverticulum* / diagnostic imaging
  • Diverticulum* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Urethral Diseases* / complications
  • Urethral Diseases* / congenital
  • Urethral Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Urethral Diseases* / surgery
  • Urinary Calculi* / complications
  • Urinary Calculi* / diagnostic imaging
  • Urinary Calculi* / surgery