Spongy urethra: anatomy, histology, physiology, and surgery

Abstract

The spongy urethra is an organ claimed for diagnosis and treatment of numerous urological and non-urological diseases and injuries. Hence, it seems crucial to consider the up-to-date modalities of its structure and function considering the current interests of invasive diagnostics, therapy, and surgery. The article presents different aspects of surgical anatomy, histology, and physiology of the spongy urethra. It also covers the principles of diagnostic work-up and management for certain diseases of the spongy urethra such as urethral strictures, hypospadias, acute ischaemic priapism, acute and chronic urethritis, external injury.