Intraoperative methylene blue testing for female urethral diverticulum: diagnostic value and surgical outcomes

TL;DR

This study shows that using methylene blue during cystourethroscopy helps accurately diagnose and locate female urethral diverticulum, leading to better surgical outcomes.

Contribution

The study introduces methylene blue as a low-cost, effective intraoperative tool for diagnosing female urethral diverticulum.

Findings

Methylene blue testing had 91.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity for diagnosing urethral diverticulum.

Most diverticula were mid-urethral, and 83.3% of patients achieved complete symptom resolution after surgery.

Complications like recurrence and fistula were successfully managed without new stress incontinence or stricture.

Abstract

Female urethral diverticulum (UD) is a rare and often underdiagnosed condition that mimics other lower urinary tract disorders, leading to diagnostic delays. This study evaluated the clinical presentation, diagnostic accuracy, and surgical outcomes of methylene blue-assisted cystourethroscopy as an adjunct tool in confirming and localizing UD.

Fifteen female patients suspected of UD between 2015 and 2025 were retrospectively reviewed. All underwent cystourethroscopy with intraoperative methylene blue dye injection. Diagnostic findings were correlated with final histopathology, and surgical outcomes were assessed following transvaginal diverticulectomy.

Twelve patients (80%) had histologically confirmed UD, while three had non-diverticular lesions (two Skene’s gland cysts and one vaginal mucosa cyst). The methylene blue test was positive in 11 of 12 UD cases, yielding 91.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 93.3% overall diagnostic accuracy. Most diverticula were mid-urethral (66.6%). Postoperatively, 83.3% achieved complete symptom resolution, while recurrence (16.7%) and fistula (8.3%) were successfully managed. No new stress incontinence or urethral stricture occurred.

Methylene blue-assisted cystourethroscopy is a simple, accurate, and low-cost adjunct that enhances intraoperative diagnosis and localization of female UD. It may be helpful in resource-limited settings. However, its role remains adjunctive, as it cannot replace MRI in defining complex anatomy. The small sample size, retrospective design, and inconsistent imaging represent key limitations. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.

Figures