Transurethral marsupialization of a medial prostatic cyst in patients with prostatitis-like symptoms.

Abstract

The results of transurethral marsupialization as treatment for medial prostatic cysts were assessed. Between June 1992 and August 1994 we performed transrectal ultrasound on 704 patients with symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction or lower urinary tract symptoms and a medical prostatic cyst was found in 34 (5%). Transurethral marsupialization of the cyst via incision of the prostatic floor under transrectal ultrasound guidance was performed in 18 patients. Followup was 12 to 25 months (mean 18). Patients with a medial prostatic cyst complained of prostatitis-like symptoms (77%), scrotal pain (62%), impaired micturition (32%), small volume ejaculation (35%), painful ejaculation (24%), hemospermia (24%) and infertility (12%). After marsupialization of the cyst, symptoms resolved completely in 14 patients (78%), improved in 17 (94%) and did not improve in only 1 (6%). No complications of this procedure were noted. The 16 patients who did not undergo surgery still complain of prostatitis-like symptoms without evidence of bacterial prostatitis. We believe that a medial prostatic cyst can cause prostatitis-like symptoms and that marsupialization of the cyst can provide symptom relief in the majority of patients.