Retrospective analysis of Mathieu’s urethroplasty for anterior hypospadias repair in circumcised children: A single center experience

Abstract

Mathieu’s technique (peri-meatal based flap) makes use of the urethral plate in the repair of anterior hypospadias, thereby creating an almost natural neo-urethra. In a circumcised baby or after previous unsuccessful repair, Mathieu’s flap may be one of the few options left to repair anterior hypospadias. To evaluate the result of Mathieu’s flap repair for anterior hypospadias in a resource poor setting. This is a retrospective review of post-circumcision anterior hypospadias managed by Mathieu’s flap repair between January 1996 and December 2006 in the paediatric surgical unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, a tertiary hospital in the South Western Nigeria. Mathieu’s flap repair was performed in 16 patients with isolated anterior hypospadias; 15 (93.8%) were circumcised before presentation. The complications were urethrocutaneous fistula in 3 (18.8%), wound infection in 2 (12.5%) and flap necrosis in 1 patient (6.3%). Final outcome was satisfactory in all patients. Mathieu’s flap remains a viable option in the repair of anterior hypospadias even after circumcision.