[Penile- and urethral anomalies]

Abstract

Penile and urethral anomalies are common congenital disorders with some rare variations. For example, the floppy penis is dealt with in only a few publications with a small numbers of cases. Other anomalies have not been published at all, i.e., the ectopic penis. Some anomalies become apparent immediately at birth, others remain undiscovered until adolescence. To date there is no established classification system dealing with urethral and penile anomalies. Also, no established guidelines exist for diagnosing and treating these anomalies. Surgical corrections of penile and urethral anomalies should follow standardized procedures on the one hand, but must respect the individual anatomical situation on the other. Since genital anomalies are frequently part of a syndrome, interdisciplinary approaches are advisable. The following article presents a classification of penile and urethral anomalies. Since posterior urethral valves usually affect the bladder and upper urinary tract, this disorder is not included in this review.