The urethra is
a tube that connects the bladder to the end of the penis
by running through the prostate gland. Urine and semen
exit the body by passing through the urethra. The urethra
passes through the transition zone of the prostate gland.
During the radical prostatectomy for the treatment of
prostate cancer, this part of the urethra is also removed.
The removal of part of the urethra can cause a shortening
of the penis. The urethra is the site of entry for the
transurethral resection of the prostate (TRUS), which
treats severe cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
The urethra is also the site of entry for the transurethral
biopsy, which tests for prostate cancer.
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