Comparison between ultrasonography and retrograde urethrography for detection of prostatic utricle associated with hypospadias

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the practical application and limitation of ultrasonography and retrograde urethrography in detecting prostatic utricle associated with hypospadias.

Methods: Between 1995 and 1999, 80 patients with hypospadias, 1 month to 16 years of age (mean age 3 years, 6 months), underwent ultrasonography and retrograde urethrography to detect the prostatic utricle.

Results: Of the 80 patients examined, the prostatic utricle was found in a total of 36 patients (45.0%) by ultrasonography and/or retrograde urethrography. Ultrasonography revealed the prostatic utricle in 27 (75%) of the 36 patients; in 6 of the 27, it was not detected by retrograde urethrography. Retrograde urethrography revealed the prostatic utricle in 30 (83%) of the 36 patients; in 9 of the 30, it was not visualized by ultrasonography. Retrograde urethrography was slightly more sensitive in detecting the prostatic utricle than was ultrasonography. In the remaining 44 patients, the prostatic utricle was not detected by either examination method.

Conclusions: Although retrograde urethrography is considered the most useful method for detecting any degree of the prostatic utricle, we recommend routine ultrasonography because it is noninvasive, painless, and simple.