Evaluation of distally folded onlay flap in repair of distal penile hypospadias

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the results of using a distally folded onlay flap in the repair of distal penile hypospadias, with regard to meatal stenosis, urethrocutaneous fistula and esthetic outcome. Patients and methodsThis prospective study involved 36 patients with mean age 3.2 years (range 1–4); 18 had a shallow urethral plate, 10 a small glans, and 8 had undergone a previous operation but still had available preputial skin. All underwent the elective technique of distally folded onlay flap, which was carried out under general anesthesia using a 4× magnifying loupe. Starting with penile degloving and then harvesting the transverse island preputial flap provides a flap about 1 cm longer than the urethral plate. Two lateral incisions are made along the urethral plate with no need for dissection deep into the glanular wings. The flap is sutured to the urethral plate, leaving 1 cm distal to the tip of the glans, which is folded back to be sutured to the edges of the glanular wings. ResultsThere were no cases of meatal stenosis or requirement for urethral dilatation. Two patients had a urethrocutaneous fistula; one closed spontaneously while the other needed surgical repair 6 months later. Regarding esthetic appearance, 32 were scored good and 4 satisfactory. ConclusionThis versatile technique offers satisfactory results regarding meatal stenosis, urethrocutaneous fistula and esthetic outcome.