Childhood urethral mucosa prolapse in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: An 11-year experience

Abstract

Background: Childhood urethral mucosal prolapse occurs in girls between the ages of six months and eight years. It can be associated with significant morbidity with resultant urethral loss especially with poor management.

Objectives: To review our experiences of managing urethral mucosal prolapse in children over an eleven year period and the outcome of treatment options.

Methodology: This was a retrospective study of all prepubertal patients diagnosed and managed at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital from January 1^st, 2003 to December 31^st, 2013.

Results: A total of 13 patients were seen with childhood urethral mucosal prolapse. The mean age was 7.2 years with age range of 3-13 years. Twelve patients (92.3%) presented with genital bleeding, 11 (84.6%) patients had genital swelling while 10 patients (76.9%) of the patients presented with both symptoms. Urine culture was done for 11 (84%) of the 13 patients and only 4 (36.3%) of the urine culture grew bacteria. Only 2 (15.4%) of the patients had mild symptoms and were managed conservatively with sitz bath and application of estrogen cream. Two out of the eleven patients who needed  surgical treatment were not done due to financial constraints. All surgical repairs were successful. There were no postoperative complications recorded in this study and no recurrence at follow up.

Conclusion: This study shows that either medical or surgical treatment yields result. Medical practitioners who attend to children must be familiar with this condition to make prompt diagnosis.

Keywords: Childhood urethral mucosa prolapse; Port-Harcourt