Megalourethra

Abstract

Megalourethra is a rare congenital anomaly characterised by a failure of development of erectile tissue and subsequent dilatation of the penile urethra. The term was first used by Nesbitt (1955) and since then many of these defects concerning the corpus spongiosum and the corpora cavernosa have been reported (Mortensen et al., 1985; Appel et al., 1986; Aigen et al., 1987).Concomitant malformations, which are sometimes incompatible with survival, have important implications for therapy and prognosis. Associated anomalies may involve the urinary tract (renal hypoplasia, ureterohydronephrosis, megaureter, megacystis, reflux, bladder diverticula, hypospadias, manifestations of intersex, urethral valves, prune belly syndrome) as well as other organs (teeth, heart, intestines).