Duplication of urethra

Duplication of the urethra, also called urethral duplication, is a rare birth defect where a person is born with two urethras instead of one. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. In this condition, a second, extra urethra forms during fetal development. The two urethras can be arranged in different ways — one on top of the other, side by side, or branching off from different points along the urinary tract. This condition is far more common in males than females. The extra urethra can cause a range of urinary problems. Some people have urine leaking from an unexpected opening, difficulty controlling urination, a weak or split urine stream, or repeated urinary tract infections. In some cases, the extra urethra is completely blocked and causes no symptoms at all, while in others it connects to the bladder and causes significant problems. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove or repair the extra urethra and correct any related problems with the bladder, kidneys, or genitals. With proper surgical care, most people do very well. The outlook depends on how complex the duplication is and whether other parts of the urinary system are also affected. Early diagnosis and treatment by a specialist are key to the best possible outcome.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What type of urethral duplication does my child have, and how does that affect the treatment plan?,Will my child need surgery, and if so, how many operations might be required?,Are there any other parts of the urinary system or other organs that are affected?,What are the risks of surgery, and what does recovery look like?,How will we monitor kidney and bladder function over the long term?,Are there any signs of complications I should watch for at home?,Should my child see any other specialists, such as a kidney doctor or geneticist?

Common questions about Duplication of urethra