Urethral caruncle causes acute urinary retention

Abstract

Introduction

We encountered a case of urinary retention caused by a urethral caruncle.

Case presentation

An 86-year-old woman presented to our hospital with urinary retention. When the urinary bladder catheter was placed, a smooth, well-defined mass 20 mm in diameter was detected on the posterior wall of the external urethral meatus. The patient was diagnosed with urinary retention due to a urethral caruncle, and the mass was resected. The mass was pathologically compatible with a urethral caruncle. The patient could urinate postoperatively. Ultrasound test after surgery showed residual urine volume was 100 mL.

Conclusion

Inspecting the urethral meatus is vital in the clinical examination of older women with voiding symptoms. A urethral caruncle is a rare cause of urinary retention. However, large urethral caruncles are at risk of causing urinary retention suggesting that resecting the urethral caruncles at an appropriate time is desirable.