Article Sections

Introduction

Urethral injuries are uncommon and involve partial or complete disruption of the urethra.  These injuries are typically classified as anterior or posterior based on the anatomic segment involved.  Common etiologies include pelvic fractures, perineal trauma, and direct penile injury.  Patients classically have blood at the urethral meatus, perineal bruising, an inability to void, and a high-riding prostate on digital rectal examination.

Pathogenesis

The male urethra is anatomically divided into 2 segments: the anterior urethra, which includes the penile and bulbar segments, and the posterior urethra, which includes the membranous and prostatic segments ( Figure 1).  Urethral injuries are similarly classified according to the segment involved.

Anterior urethral injury

The anterior urethra is protected from indirect forces by its relative mobility.  It is typically injured secondary to

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