Dartos Flap Research Articles

Comparative Study Between Autologous Platelet-rich Fibrin Membrane and Local Flaps as Intervening Layer in Management of Distal Hypospadias

Background/PurposeThe most frequent complication following hypospadias correction is fistula formation. Recently, fibrin glue has been employed as a 2nd layer covering the urethroplasty resulting in a reduction in the incidence of fistulas. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous growth factor-rich source. Although the authors recommend the use of additional layers in hypospadias correction, there remains a controversy. In a trial to address this issue, our research was conducted to compare the accessibility of urethroplasty coverage using PRF to traditional local flaps, aiming to prevent fistula formation in hypospadias repair. Patients and methodsThis is a prospective single-blinded randomized controlled study that involved 60 hypospadias cases admitted to Mansoura University Children Hospital's Pediatric Surgery department between March 2021 and March 2023. These 60 cases were randomly divided into 2 equal groups: (group A platelet-rich fibrin coverage membrane & group B local dartos flap as an additional layer). Both groups were compared regarding the rate of complications. All cases were evaluated regarding age at repair, type of hypospadias, urethral plate width, length of urethroplasty, and size of the 2nd layer. The blood loss and operative time were documented and post-operatively; the cases were assessed for the repair intactness, shape, and size of the neo-meatus, existence of any post-operative problems such as urethral fistula, urethral stricture, meatal stenosis, failure of the repair, or diverticulum. Statistical analysis was carried out following data collection. ResultsThe median length of the 2nd layer in group A was 20 mm (range 15–23 mm) and in group B was 22.5 mm (range 19.5–25 mm) and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.012∗), while its median width in group A was 10 mm (range 10–11 mm) and in group B was 15 mm (range 10–18 mm) and also there was statistically significant difference (p = 0.001∗). The mean operative time in group A was 95.73 ± 11.9 min and in group B was 102.33 ± 10.32 min and there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). The length of hospital stay in group A was 5.47 ± 1.11 days and in group B was 5.47 ± 0.89 days. The urethral fistula was detected in 4 cases of group A (13.3%) and 3 cases of group B (10%). The failure of repair was similar, one case of each group (3.3%). The meatal stenosis was reported in only one case of group A (3.4%) and 7 cases of group B (24.1%) (P = 0.02∗) and the difference was statistically significant. There were no reports of urethral strictures among the cases in either group over the follow-up period (mean 9 months, range 5–17 months). ConclusionPRF patch may be employed as a coverage layer over the urethroplasty in repair of the distal hypospadias, especially in cases without accessible vascular flap with comparable outcome to traditional local flaps. Type of studyA prospective single blinded randomized controlled trial (computer-generated numbers method). Level of evidenceLevel 2.

Editorial Comment on "The effectiveness of double dorsal dartos flap for urethroplasty coverage in distal hypospadias repair: A single surgeon approach to preventing urethrocutaneous fistula".

Editorial Comment on "The effectiveness of double dorsal dartos flap for urethroplasty coverage in distal hypospadias repair: A single surgeon approach to preventing urethrocutaneous fistula".

Is The Dorsal Dartos Flap Rotation Technique Successful in Children with Isolated Penile Torsion?

Penile torsion is a counterclockwise rotational anomaly of the penile shaft or glans. We aimed to evaluate the results of dorsal dartos flap rotation technique in children with isolated penile torsion. 5470 boys who applied to our clinic between 2012 and 2022 for circumcision were evaluated for congenital isolated penile torsion. They were classified according to the degree and direction of torsion and clinical findings were analyzed. According to the degree of torsion, penile degloving or dorsal dartos flap rotation technique with circumcision was performed. Patients whose torsion corrected after penile degloving were excluded from the study. The results of dorsal dartos flap rotation technique were evaluated. Results: Congenital isolated penile torsion ≥60° was identified in 1.04 % (n=57) of the children. Eight patients whose torsion corrected after penile degloving were excluded from the study. 49 patients who underwent dorsal dartos flap rotation had a mean age of 4.94 years (1-9) and a mean operation time of 29.9 min (20-40). The mean degree of torsion was 77.6° (60-110). The mean operation times in the < 90° and ≥ 90° dorsal dartos flap groups were statistically significant (p<0.05). Residual torsion was statistically significant in the < 90° and ≥ 90° dorsal dartos flap groups (p<0.05). At the postoperative 1st and 6th month follow-ups, torsion less than 10 degrees was observed in 3 patients who underwent dorsal dartos flap rotation technique. No residual torsion was observed in other patients. Isolated penile torsion cases should not be overlooked during circumcision. It seems possible to obtain successful results with dorsal dartos flap rotation in moderate and severe torsions.

The use of an autologous platelet-rich fibrin membrane in urethroplasty for cases of distal hypospadias

BackgroundAmong pediatric surgical procedures, hypospadias surgery is one of the most difficult. The most prevalent complication following hypospadias repair is urethrocutaneous fistula. Numerous procedures have been developed to prevent and resolve this issue. One such method is platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane preparation, which is a straightforward process requiring only the patient’s serum. It has already been utilized successfully in plastic and reconstructive surgeries, where it significantly enhances the healing capacity and decreases the risk of infections. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of an autologous PRF membrane in promoting healing and reducing fistula occurrence in cases of de novo distal hypospadias.MethodsForty patients with primary distal hypospadias underwent TIP repair, as a part of a prospective controlled randomized study from April 2017 to February 2018. The cases were randomly allocated into two categories. TIP repair done in all cases by the same surgeon. Twenty cases comprised group A, which utilized a preputial or local dartos flap as an additional protective layer over the urethroplasty. In contrast, group B comprised 20 cases in which the urethroplasty was covered with a PRF membrane. The initial follow-up duration was 6 months. Each group’s fistula incidence and other associated complications were documented.ResultsTwo groups were compared during the initial 6-month follow-up period. There were seven cases of urethrocutaneous fistula in group A, representing a 35% incidence rate. In group B, there were two cases that had fistula with an incidence of 10% in the early postoperative period. Two patients (10%) in group A developed meatal stenosis and only one patient in group B (5%) developed meatal stenosis. Glandular dehiscence occurred in one patient (5%) in group B. There was no skin wound infection in both groups.ConclusionThe PRF membrane may be a promising method as a coverage layer over the urethroplasty aiming to reduce the fistula rate after the repair. A larger comparative study is needed to evaluate the efficacy of PRF membranes in promoting wound healing.

Comparison of outcome of TIP urethroplasty with or without Buck’s Fascia repair

ObjectiveTIP is the most common preformed type of Urethroplasty. The intermediate barrier is used as a waterproofing layer to prevent fistula formation. Many tissues have been utilized as a barrier layer, with varying success rates. The search for a better intermediate layer will continue. In this study, we aim to evaluate the role of Buck’s Fascia as a covering for the neo-urethra to prevent fistula formation in patients who underwent Snodgrass Urethroplasty.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted between 2018 and 2022. Patients were randomly assigned to either Group ‘A’ or Group ‘B’. Group A included patients who underwent the Snodgrass procedure with a Buck’s Fascia cover, while Group B included patients whose neo-urethra was covered with the dartos flap. These patients were closely monitored for the development of short- and long-term complications in both groups, and the results were recorded.ResultsThe study involved 164 patients, who underwent midpenile and distal hypospadias repair using the Snodgrass technique. In Group ‘A’ (84 patients), the neo-urethra was covered with Buck’s Fascia, while in Group ‘B’ (80 patients), the neo-urethra was covered with the dartos flap. The mean age of the children was (23.06 ± 16.12) months in group ‘A’ & (26.06 ± 14.07) months in group ‘B’. mean operating time was (40 ± 11.43) minutes, in Group ‘A’, and (70 ± 17.43) minutes, in Group ‘B’. Meatal stenosis occurred in 3.57% of children in Group ‘A’ and 10% of patients in Group ‘B’. Urethral fistulas were encountered in 2.35% of cases in Group ‘A’and 10% in Group ‘B’. The difference between the groups was statistically significant.

Surgical treatment of cripple hypospadias in the adult

Clinical case: The case of a 21-year-old male with a diagnosis of hypospadias of the distal penile urethra and a history of 7 failed surgical interventions to correct hypospadias during his childhood and adolescence is reported. A urethral plasty was performed with oral mucosa graft and a Dartos flap to resolve the hypospadias. Relevance: Hypospadias is the second most common congenital urologic condition in males and presents as incomplete closure of the urethra, ventral displacement of the meatus, and abnormalities of the prepuce, as well as other penile structures. The etiology points towards genetic causes, deficient hormonal stimulation and the placenta-fetus relationship, but the exact cause is still unknown. The treatment is surgical and consists of the tubulation of grafts for the reconstruction of the urethra, its objective is to correct the functionality and preserve the aesthetics, surgery is recommended from 6 to 18 months. Hypospadias is rare in adults, and management is also surgical; there is no treatment of choice due to the complexity of the cases and the factors specific to each patient. The risk of complications will increase with the age of the patient and the number of previous interventions. Conclusion: Hypospadias is rare during the adult stage because most of it is treated during childhood. It is considered that the use of oral mucosa grafts plus data flap is a good option for the treatment of these patients since most present unfavorable factors such as fibrosis, ischemia and a higher risk of infection.

Reducing fistula rate in hypospadias repair: A comparative study between standard tubularized incised plate repair and incorporation of a layer of spongiosum tissue

The most prevalent complication in hypospadias repair is fistula formation. Adhering to the principle of providing urethroplasty coverage to mitigate fistula occurrence, we implemented a modification by integrating a spongiosum layer between the urethroplasty and the dartos flap. Our hypothesis posited that this approach would result in a reduced fistula formation rate. This study is a comparative analysis involving patients under 18 years of age who underwent primary hypospadias repair. The cases were allocated into two groups. In the study group, in addition to performing tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair, a spongiosum layer harvested from both sides of the urethra was used to cover the urethroplasty (modification of the Y-to-I urethroplasty). The control group underwent a standard TIP repair. The primary outcome was to assess urethrocutaneous fistula formation. Secondary outcomes included evaluating the development of meatal stenosis and glans dehiscence, along with assessing cosmetic results by the Hypospadias Objective Penile Evaluation (HOPE) score. Overall, 154 hypospadias cases were included in the study. Eighty-seven patients (56%) were allocated to the study group, and 67 (44%) were allocated to the control group. Urethrocutaneous fistula developed in 3 (3.4%) and 11 (16.4%) patients in the study and control group, respectively (p=0.006). Glans dehiscence occurred in 2 (2.3%) patients in the study group and 4 (6%) patients in the control group (p=0.198). Meatal stenosis was observed in 4 (4.6%) patients in the study group and 5 (7.5%) patients in the control (p=0.452). The mean HOPE score was 59 in both groups (p=0.36). This study details our encounters with the novel modification and compares the results with standard TIP. Our data suggest that adding a layer of spongiosum tissue over the urethroplasty reduces the complication of urethrocutaneous fistula without increasing the occurrence of dehiscence, significant meatal stenosis, or compromising cosmetic outcomes. We advocate for implementing the described surgical modification as a viable option for hypospadias repair.

The GUDplay technique: A shift of paradigm in glans reconstruction for midshaft and penoscrotal hypospadias with moderate chordee. A proposal of a new approach

After 5 years experience with the GUD (glandular urethral disassembly) technique for distal hypospadias, we present the GUDplay technique, incorporating Thiersch-Duplay tubularization of the plate till the coronal area, disassembling the glans aggressively and refurbishing the glans. We defined the urethral plate and designed an inverted Y incision to open the glans in two wings. The glans was entirely detached from the corpora to gain a great mobility that allowed minor cranial mobilization of the urethra and caudal rotation of the wings. In sequence, there are well-known steps: Duplay urethroplasty, spongioblasts and a Dartos flap to cover the neourethra. The glans was connected to the urethra by 6.0 PDS sutures except in the ventral meatus and the glans wings are joined in the midline. The 5-year-old patient had midshaft hypospadias without previous surgery. The catheter was removed after a week and the healing appears to be good. We combined principles of total glans deconstruction in association to Duplay tubularization and then lifted it up to the tip of the glans divided in two wide and mobile wings. We have treated a small series of 6 cases without complications and mean follow-up of 6.2 months.

Evaluation of Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty with Spongioplasty-Dartosoraphy Reinforcement in Pediatric Hypospadias: A Randomized Controlled Study.

The original description of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) was provided by Snodgrass in 1994. The results were significantly improved by several modifications. To decrease the incidence of complications, interposing a vascularized flap after tubularization of the neourethra is recommended. The extent to which the type of interposed tissue has a direct effect on the rate of complications and cosmetic outcomes after TIPU repair is considered the answer to the main hypothesis of this study. This prospective controlled randomized trial was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, between May 2019 and May 2023. A total of 220 patients were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to either group A or group B. Group A included 110 patients who underwent TIPU with spongioplasty-dartosoraphy reinforcement. The other 110 patients (group B) underwent TIPU with dorsal dartos flap interposition, without spongioplasty. Complications developed in 34 of 220 patients (15.4%). In group A, complications developed in 11 of 110 patients (10.0%). In group B, complications occurred in 23 of 110 patients (20.9%). Although the fistula rate, glanular dehiscence, disruption, and meatal stenosis were not significantly different between the study groups, the skin necrosis rate was significantly lower in group A than in group B. The overall complication rate was significantly lower in group A than in group B. Also, the difference in the mean Hypospadias Objective Scoring Evaluation between the two groups was statistically significant. TIPU with spongioplasty-dartosoraphy reinforcement is an effective modification of conventional TIPU. This modification appears to reduce the rate of complications and yield better cosmetic outcomes.

Hypospadias with Intact Prepuce: A Spectrum of Anomalies and their Reconstruction.

The aim of the study was to perform a detailed analysis of the clinical characteristics of megameatus with intact prepuce (MIP) and to audit our results of reconstructive surgeries on MIP. Design: Retrospective analysis. Setting: Pediatric surgery department of tertiary level. Subjects, methods: Hospital records and pictures of MIP operated over a 9-year period. Age, size of penis, circumcised or not, shape of glans, external urethral meatus (EUM), urethral plate (UP), chordee, distal urethra, reconstructive surgery, and complications were analyzed. Postoperative result was objectively assessed by Hypospadias Objective Scoring Evaluation (HOSE). Twelve of 254 hypospadias were MIP (incidence = 4.72%). The mean age at operation was 38.25 months (12-87 m). Patients sought circumcision or surgical correction of anomaly. Two patients were precircumcised. MIP was coronal 7, subcoronal 3, and glanular 2. Meatus was wide in 10 and normal in 2. Glans penis was wide in 9 and conical in 3. UP was wide (9), moderately wide (2), or narrow and shallow (1). In two cases of wide deep UP, distal septum was present. Distal urethra was nondilated in all but 1, which had megalourethra. Reconstructive surgery was Tubularized Urethral Plate Urethroplasty (7 cases) or classical Snodgrass (Tubularised incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU), with superimposed vascular dartos flap (5 cases). The megalourethra underwent partial excision and TIPU. Distal UP-septum was incised. Urethral injury (2 cases) and UP injury (1 case) were intraoperative complications. One postoperative complication (ventral glans necrosis) resulted. The mean follow-up period was 4.79 months (1-12 m). In the postoperative follow-up, 11 (92%) had HOSE score 14-16, whereas one had HOSE 13. Some hypospadias cases which have intact prepuce have no megameatus; hence, they cannot be termed MIP. All cases of hypospadias having intact prepuce can be covered by the umbrella term "Hypospadias with Intact Prepuce (HIP);" MIP is a large subgroup under HIP. HIP presents with a spectrum of anomalies of glans, EUM, and UP. Repair by tubularization of UP without or with midline incision gives excellent results.

Outcomes of double-breasted spongioplasty as additional tissue coverage in tubularized incised plate urethroplasty

BackgroundModern hypospadiology is constantly developing new ideas to improve functional outcomes. Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) with neourethral covering by vascularized tissue (dartos flap, corpus spongiosum) is presently the most common procedure performed. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of double-breasted spongioplasty (DBS) as additional tissue coverage in TIPU by comparing it with TIPU without spongioplasty. MethodsWe conducted a prospective comparative study from September 2022 to October 2023 on 120 midshaft and distal hypospadias cases aged 1 to 12 years. Group A (n = 60) underwent TIPU without spongioplasty; Group B (n = 60) underwent TIPU with DBS. Pre-operative patient parameters were categorized according to Glans-Meatus-Shaft (GMS) Score. Follow-up was 4 months to one year. Complications like urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) and meatal stenosis (MS) were recorded. Functional outcomes were assessed using Hypospadias objective scoring evaluation (HOSE). ResultsAverage age was 5.68 ± 2.26 in group A and 6.40 ± 2.10 in group B. Group A had mean GMS 5.32 ± 1.09; Group B had 5.45 ± 1.12 (p = 0.49). In group A, 4 (6.66 %) had MS, 5 (8.33 %) had UCF; in group B, 5 (8.33 %) had MS, 2 (3.33 %) had UCF (p > 0.05). Dorsal plication for ventral curvature was avoided in 7 patients after DBS. Surgeon evaluated mean HOSE was 14.73 ± 1.87 in Group A and 15.40 ± 1.26 in B (p = 0.02); in group A, 83.33 % while in group B 95 % cases had acceptable HOSE (≥14) (p = 0.04). ConclusionDouble-breasted spongioplasty in TIPU has better functional outcomes when compared with TIPU without spongioplasty and may correct ventral curvature of mild to moderate severity. Level of evidenceLEVEL II.

Megameatus intact prepuce, a rare variant of hypospadias: report of two cases and literature review

Megameatus intact prepuce is an unusual variety of the distal hypospadias, characterized by a widely splayed (fishmouth) coronal or subcoronal meatus, a deep glanular groove with normal prepuce, and no chordee. Physically, the glans penis has disunion with an abnormally large meatus associated with a deep glans cleft. Because the foreskin is intact, the condition is frequently overlooked; as a result, the patient seeks medical attention later, when the purpose is to address other urogenital issues. Cosmetic remodeling should be performed to avoid affecting a child’s psychological state. We present 2 cases of the mentioned condition (circumcised and uncircumcised) with blunderbuss external urethral meatuses, admitted to our pediatric surgery department. Both patients underwent tubularized incised plate urethroplasty along with spongioplasty and a vascularized dartos flap over the urethroplasty for fistula prevention. The cosmetic and functional results were satisfactory.

A meta-analysis: single or double dartos flap layer in tubularized incised plate urethroplasty to prevent urethrocutaneous fistula?

Urethrocutaneous fistula is one of the most common complications after urethroplasty. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the superiority of double dartos flap to single dartos flap in preventing fistula during tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU), which is one of the most frequently used operations for hypospadias. We extracted clinical trials under the following included criteria: (1) children with TIPU; (2) a comparison of single and double flap layer; and (3) record of complications with the following excluded criteria: (1) non-comparison and (2) lack of data. Finally, 13 studies from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Embase have been investigated, with a total of 1,185 patients from 2005 to 2022. The quality assessment was conducted according to the Cochrane handbook and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. A mixed-effect model was utilized to weigh the risk of fistula, phallic rotation, meatal stenosis, and wound dehiscence by the Review Manager V.5.4 software. The double dartos flap layer group excels in descending the risk of postoperative fistula [odds ratio (OR) = 9.56; 95% confidence interval (CI) (4.76, 19.22); P < 0.00001] and phallic rotation [OR = 31.26; 95% CI (9.60, 101.84); P < 0.00001], while there are no differences in the rate of meatal stenosis [OR = 1.49; 95% CI (0.73, 2.70); P = 0.31] and wound dehiscence [OR = 2.30; 95% CI (0.80, 6.63); P = 0.12]. The routine utility of a double dartos flap layer is recommended as a potential treatment during the tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. identifier PROSPERO CRD42022366294.

'Waterproofing layers' for urethrocutaneous fistula repair after hypospadias surgery: evidence synthesis with systematic review and meta-analysis.

To summarize the available evidence and to quantitatively evaluate the global results of different waterproofing layers in substantiating the UCF repair. After defining the study protocol, the review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines by a team comprising experts in hypospadiology, systematic reviews and meta-analysis, epidemiology, biostatistics and data science. Studies published from 2000 onwards, reporting on the results of UCF closure after hypospadias repair were searched for on PUBMED, Embase and Google Scholar. Study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Checklist (JBI) critical appraisal tool. The results with different techniques were compared with the two samples independent proportions test with the help of Microsoft Excel, MedCalc software and an online calculator. Seventy-three studies were shortlisted for the synthesis; the final analysis included 2886 patients (71 studies) with UCF repair failure in 539. A summary of various dimensions involved with the UCF repair has been generated including time gap after last surgery, stent-vs-no stent, supra-pubic catheterization, suture material, suturing technique, associated anomalies, complications, etc. The success rates associated with different techniques were calculated and compared: simple catheterization (100%), simple primary closure (73.2%), dartos (78.8%), double dartos flaps (81%), scrotal flaps (94.6%), tunica vaginalis (94.3%), PATIO repair (93.5%), biomaterials or dermal substitutes (92%), biocompatible adhesives (56.5%) and skin-based flaps (54.5%). Several techniques were identified as solitary publications and discussed. Tunica vaginalis and scrotal flaps offer the best results after UCF closure in the synthesis. However, it is not possible to label any technique as ideal or perfect. Almost all popular waterproofing layers have depicted absolute (100%) success sometimes. There are a vast number of other factors (patient's local anatomy, surgeon's expertise and technical perspectives) which influence the final outcome.

The Use of Preputial Dartos Flap in the Primary Repair of Distal Hypospadias: A Single-centre Experience.

An additional flap during the tubularization of incised urethral plate urethroplasty (TIPU) is believed to minimize the postoperative complications. It is still debatable whether using an additional flap is worth the risk given the hazards associated with doing so. This study aims to re-evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of TIPU with or without a preputial dartos (PD) flap. We assessed the results of patients with distal hypospadias who underwent surgery in our institute over the past 2 years. The urethral plate's width, thickness, and depth, the periurethral tissue's quality, and the width of the glans at the mid-glans level determined whether the neourethra was covered with a PD flap or left uncovered. Data on intra-operative blood loss, operating time, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and outcome were analysed. There were 96 patients: 58 received an extra PD flap, whereas the other 38 did not. In the flap group, ventral skin necrosis was a prevalent problem, whereas meatal stenosis predominated in the no-flap group. Both the flap group (25.66%) and the no-flap group (23.86%) experienced comparable postoperative complications (P = 0.503). In comparison to the no-flap group, the flap group showed statistically significant differences (P<0.001) in intra-operative blood loss (22.10 ± 6.96 vs. 10.34 ± 3.02 mL), operating time (96.34 ± 6.661 vs. 71.39 ± 9.76 min), and hospital stay (10.04 ± 0.87 vs. 8.47 ± 1.64 days). The additional PD flap does not always affect the result of TIPU in terms of complications.

Double dartos flap layer in tubularized incised plate urethroplasty to prevent urethrocutaneous fistula in uncircumcised patients with distal hypospadias.

Urethrocutaneous fistula may complicate hypospadias repair. We noticed that double-layered preputial dartos flaps added to tubularized incised plate urethroplasty can reduce the risk of urethrocutaneous fistula. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with double-layered preputial dartos flaps to with single-layered local fascial flaps in preventing urethrocutaneous fistula. A retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2017 and December 2020 at Jordan University Hospital (Amman, Jordan). Boys who were aged between 6 months and 5 years, diagnosed with distal hypospadias, and not circumcised were included. The primary outcome was the occurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula in patients who underwent tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with a double-layered fascial flap. The results showed a total of 163 boys with distal hypospadias; among them, 116 patients underwent tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with a single-layered fascial flap, and 47 underwent tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with a double-layered fascial flap. The development of urethrocutaneous fistula was higher in the group receiving tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with a single-layered fascial flap than in the group receiving tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with a double-layered fascial flap after 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months (6.9% vs 0, 10.3% vs 0, and 5.2% vs 0, respectively), and the difference after 6 months was statistically significant (P = 0.02).

Post-circumcision urethrocutaneous fistulae: presentations, repairs and outcomes in a tertiary centre.

Circumcision is regarded as the most common surgical procedure world over. It is also perceived to be a simple and safe procedure; however, it could be fraught with major urological complications such as urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF). Repair of these fistulae poses a great reconstructive challenge to the paediatric surgeon/urologist with varied outcomes. We seek to review the presentations, repair and outcome of post-circumcision UCFs managed in a tertiary centre. This is a retrospective review of all the consecutive cases of repaired post-circumcision UCFs in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South-East Nigeria, over a period of 9 years (January 2012-December 2020). Data on demography, size of fistula, type of repair and outcome were retrieved from the Records Department and patients' case notes and were analysed using SPSS (version 22, Chicago, Illinois). A total of 22 boys had post-circumcision UCF repair within the period, and they were aged between 2 weeks and 108 months with a median age of 4 months at presentation and aged between 8 months and 144 months with a median age of 24 months at the time of surgery. Circumcisions were by freehand technique in 21 (95.5%). Nurses performed most of the circumcisions in 19 (86.4%), and most of the circumcisions were performed in private hospitals 7 (31.8%), maternity homes 3 (13.6%) and general hospitals in 10 (45.5%) each, respectively. Most 17 (77.3%) fistulae were coronal, and the size of defect ranged from 1 mm to 10 mm. The most commonly employed technique of repair was simple closure in 16 (72.2%). Meatal stenosis and re-fistulation occurred in 2 (9.1%) and 4 (18.2%), respectively. Only two (12.5%) required reoperation. There was no relationship between the size of defect and re-fistulation, P = 0.377. Majority of the Post-circumcision urethrocutaneous fistulae were from free hand technique of circumcisions . These were performed mostly by nurses in general, private hospitals and maternity homes. Hence, there is a need to ramp up training of providers of neonatal circumcision in our environment. Most UCF in children could be repaired with simple closure technique reinforced with dartos flap.

Nueva técnica de fijación de dartos en la reparación de hipospadias

ObjectiveThis study investigates the impact of the use of dartos covering to augment the neourethra on functional and cosmetic results. To evaluate a novel technique demonstrating how to fix dartos flap to cover the neourethra as a barrier in hypospadias repair. Patients and methodsThis study comprised 204 male patients with different degree of hypospadias (DPH: 132, coronal hypospadias: 46, MPH: 26). Their ages ranged from 1-23 ys (mean age: 2ys). Penile chordee was in (DPH: 45, coronal hypospadias: 33, MPH: 26). All patients had abnormal downward directed urinary stream. Hypospadias repair was performed by the classic TIP technique in addition to our novel modification of dartos covering. Patients were submitted to 5 years of follow-up including clinical examination of the functional and cosmetic parameters. ResultsSuccess rates were reported in 200 patients, 3 patients had complications with subcoronal urethrocutaneous fistula and one patient with complete repair disruption. ConclusionTriple dartos fixation is a simple technique for all hypospadiologists to minimize urethrocutaneous fistula as common complication of hypospadias repair with good functional and cosmetic results.

To Compare the Outcomes of Dartos Flap and Tunica Vaginalis Flap as Secondary Cover after Second Stage Durham Smith Repair in Reducing Post-Operative Complications

Background: Interposition flaps are mainstay in the success of hypospadias surgery because they lead to decrease in complications of hypospadias repair significantly especially urethrocutaneous fistula by buttressing the neo urethral suture line. Many interposition flaps have been tried with varying outcome results. Most commonly used interposition flaps are Tunica vaginalis flap and dorsal dartos flap however, recently interest have also researched in Durham smith de-epithelialized dartos based overlay flap. Though there are many publications comparing outcome of dorsal dartos and tunica vaginalis flap but hardly any study that has compared all three interposition flaps. So, we aimed to compare the outcomes of dorsal dartos flap (DF), tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) and Durham smith de-epithelialized dartos based overlay flap as interposition layer in TIP urethroplasty. Aim: To compare the outcomes of dorsal dartos flap (DF), tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) and Durham smith de-epithelialized dartos based flap as secondary interposition cover after Tubularized incised plate urethroplastyin reducing post-operative complication. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in which case records of 78 patients who had undergone repair for distal and midpenile hypospadias with minimal chordee and favorable anatomy by the Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with interposition flap over 2 years (2017-2019) were reviewed. Patients were divided in three groups with 26 subjects in each group. Group A consisted of patients with dorsal dartos interposition flap, Group B comprised of patients with Tunica vaginalis interposition flap and Group C consisted of patients with Durham smith deepithelialized dartos based overlay cover. Outcome variables noted were the complications including wound dehiscence, Urethrocutaneous fistula, Meatal stenosis, Penile torsion, skin necrosis and preputial edema. Statistical methods were applied to compare these complications in all three groups. Results: Total number of complications in group A were 11(42.3%) and most common complications were skin necrosis (n=7, 26.9%) and urethrocutaneous fistula (n=6, 23.1%). Total number of complications in group B were 7(26.9%) while Chordee and preputial edema (n=6, 23.1% each) were among the most common complications. 9(34.6%) patients developed complications in group C and most common complications were penile torsion (n=6, 23.1%) and urethrocutaneous fistula (n=4, 15.4%). Conclusion: We have seen in our study that TV flap is a good option as second cover with lesser complications especially in terms of fistula related complications while Durham smith onlay cover found to be equally better option as it showed no skin complications and other complications were almost comparable to TV flap cover.

To Compare the Outcomes of Dorsal Dartos Flap, Tunica Vaginalis Flap and Durham Smith De-Epithelialized Dartos Based Flap as Secondary Interposition Cover after Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty in Reducing Post-Operative Complications

Interposition flaps are mainstay in the success of hypospadias surgery because they lead to decrease in complications of hypospadias repair significantly especially urethrocutaneous fistula by buttressing the neo urethral suture line. Many interposition flaps have been tried with varying outcome results. Most commonly used interposition flaps are Tunica vaginalis flap and dorsal dartos flap however, recently interest have also researched in Durham smith de-epithelialized dartos based overlay flap. Though there are many publications comparing outcome of dorsal dartos and tunica vaginalis flap but hardly any study that has compared all three interposition flaps. So, we aimed to compare the outcomes of dorsal dartos flap (DF), tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) and Durham smith de-epithelialized dartos based overlay flap as interposition layer in TIP urethroplasty. Aim: To compare the outcomes of dorsal dartos flap (DF), tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) and Durham smith de-epithelialized dartos based flap as secondary interposition cover after Tubularized incised plate urethroplastyin reducing post-operative complication. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in which case records of 78 patients who had undergone repair for distal and midpenile hypospadias with minimal chordee and favorable anatomy by the Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with interposition flap over 2 years (2017-2019) were reviewed. Patients were divided in three groups with 26 subjects in each group. Group A consisted of patients with dorsal dartos interposition flap, Group B comprised of patients with Tunica vaginalis interposition flap and Group C consisted of patients with Durham smith deepithelialized dartos based overlay cover. Outcome variables noted were the complications including wound dehiscence, Urethrocutaneous fistula, Meatal stenosis, Penile torsion, skin necrosis and preputial edema. Statistical methods were applied to compare these complications in all three groups.