Bulbar urethral necrosis

Bulbar Urethral Necrosis is a rare but serious condition affecting the urethra, specifically the bulbar segment, which is located in the spongy part of the urethra that runs through the bulb of penis. This condition involves the death of tissue (necrosis) in this area, which can lead to significant complications including urethral stricture (narrowing of the urethra), infection, and impairment of urinary function.

Causes

Bulbar urethral necrosis can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common include:

• Trauma: Direct injury to the perineum or procedures that involve the urethra can damage the blood supply to the bulbar urethra, leading to necrosis.
• Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the bulbar urethra, which could be due to systemic conditions like diabetes mellitus or localized issues such as pressure from a catheter or stricture.
• Infection: Severe infections can compromise the urethral tissue, leading to necrosis. This is more common in individuals with compromised immune systems.

Symptoms

Symptoms of bulbar urethral necrosis may include:

• Difficulty urinating or inability to urinate
• Pain in the perineum or penis
• Swelling or tenderness in the affected area
• Discharge from the urethra
• Presence of blood in the urine (hematuria)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of bulbar urethral necrosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests, including:

• Urethroscopy: A procedure that involves inserting a scope into the urethra to visualize the area.
• Imaging studies: Such as MRI or ultrasound, to assess the extent of tissue damage and involvement of surrounding structures.
• Urine tests: To check for infection or the presence of blood.

Treatment

Treatment of bulbar urethral necrosis focuses on addressing the underlying cause and repairing the damaged urethra. Options may include:

• Catheterization: To ensure urine drainage and reduce pressure on the urethra during healing.
• Surgery: Procedures such as urethroplasty may be necessary to remove the necrotic tissue and reconstruct the urethra.
• Antibiotics: If an infection is present, antibiotics will be required to treat it.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with bulbar urethral necrosis varies depending on the cause and extent of the condition. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a favorable outcome. Complications can include chronic urethral strictures and impaired urinary function.

Prevention

Preventing bulbar urethral necrosis involves minimizing risk factors such as avoiding trauma to the perineum, managing systemic conditions like diabetes effectively, and using catheters judiciously to reduce the risk of infection and ischemia.

Resources

Latest articles - Bulbar urethral necrosis

• Most recent articles
• Ongoing trials

Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Bulbar urethral necrosis for any updates.

‎