Intraoperative translabial ultrasound for urethral diverticula: A road map for surgeons

Use of trans‐labial ultrasound in the diagnosis of female urethral diverticula: A diagnostic option to be strongly considered

“…In 2009, El‐Zein et al . reported their experience using intraoperative TL‐US for localizing the UD neck, when cystoscopy had failed, showing the relevant role of the tool in diagnosis and surgical guidance . In the present series, 95% of the UD were identified in an outpatient setting, with TL‐US and without the help of level II diagnostic methods.…”

“…Since 1990, TL-US has been used as a valid technique in disorders of the lower urogenital tract. 19 In 2009, El-Zein et al reported their experience using intraoperative TL-US for localizing the UD neck, when 18 In the present series, 95% of the UD were identified in an outpatient setting, with TL-US and without the help of level II diagnostic methods. Only in one case was urethrocystoscopy was necessary to confirm US diagnostic suspicion.…”

“…The first use of TA‐US proved unsatisfactory and inaccurate . Transrectal, TV and transperineal sonographic approaches were also used, with variable results. Since 1990, TL‐US has been used as a valid technique in disorders of the lower urogenital tract .…”

Translabial ultrasound imaging of urethral diverticula

“…This sonographic method was greatly enhanced by the development and optimization of multiplanar high-resolution transducers allowing the acquisition of multiple volume datasets at high spatial and temporal resolution. Several recent, small studies have shown the efficacy of TLUS using an endovaginal probe in the diagnosis of UDs 15,16 . Our study supports utilization of TLUS and introduces the use of the transabdominal probe as well as the use of multiplanar imaging, which might increase the test's specificity and improve localization of a communicating tract, as shown in Figure 3.…”

“…Furthermore, ultrasound offers the ability to observe urethral motion, which might alter presurgical decisions. Since modern ultrasound systems are relatively small and sometimes even portable, they may be used intraoperatively in cases in which the diverticular neck is not easily seen 15 . Advances in technology with higher 3D resolution might further increase the sensitivity of ultrasound for identifying the communicating tract.…”