Tubularized Incised Plate Repair Research Articles

Tunneled Tunica Vaginalis Flap is an Effective Technique for Recurrent Urethrocutaneous Fistulas Following Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty

In the last several years the use of the tubularized incised plate hypospadias repair has greatly increased. The most significant complication after this mode of urethroplasty is urethrocutaneous fistula development. Tunneled tunica vaginalis flap is a well described technique for repair of urethrocutaneous fistula. However, to our knowledge its use after tubularized incised plate repair has not yet been described. We present our results with this technique. We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing repair of urethrocutaneous fistula after initial tubularized incised plate repair between January 2001 and December 2005. We analyzed the initial number and location of fistulas, number of previous urethrocutaneous fistula repairs, duration of surgery, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. A total of 16 boys (median age 2.2 years) underwent tunica vaginalis flap repair at our institution for urethrocutaneous fistula following initial failed tubularized incised plate repair. Of these patients 4 had not previously undergone urethrocutaneous fistula repair and 12 had undergone 1 to 4 failed repair attempts. All boys had a subcoronal fistula and 8 had additional fistulas along the penile shaft, 4 each with 3 and 4 fistulas, including 1 penoscrotal fistula. Mean surgical time was 45 minutes, and no intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. After a mean followup of 18 months (range 4 to 36) no patient had recurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula. Tunneled tunica vaginalis flap repair is a highly successful technique for the treatment of urethrocutaneous fistula after initial failed tubularized incised plate repair. The technique is technically simple to perform, and we encountered no complications. Tunneled tunica vaginalis flap repair should be considered for treating urethrocutaneous fistula following initial failed tubularized incised plate hypospadias surgery, particularly in a repeat surgical setting.

Modified tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (Snodgrass) procedure for hypospadias repair

ObjectivesTo report the outcomes in a large series using a modified tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty (Snodgrass) technique with a local de-epithelialized skin flap to cover the urethroplasty. The use of the TIP urethroplasty (Snodgrass) technique has gained wide acceptance among pediatric urologists for the correction of hypospadias repair because of its good cosmesis, low complication rate, and reliability in creating a vertically oriented meatus. MethodsA total of 101 boys, aged 6 months to 3 years, with distal (n = 85), mid-shaft (n = 8), or proximal (n = 8) hypospadias underwent one-stage repair using a modified TIP repair with a local de-epithelialized skin flap to cover the urethroplasty. Charts were reviewed for each patient to determine the complications, reoperations, cosmesis, and functional results after surgery. ResultsWith at least 6 months of follow-up, all patients had achieved excellent functional and cosmetic results, with the meatus at the tip of the penis on follow-up. Three repairs for meatal stenosis and two for fistula were needed. ConclusionsThe modified TIP procedure is a safe and reliable technique. It provides excellent cosmesis with a low reoperation rate.

Tubularized incised plate repair: functional outcome after intermediate followup.

We describe the functional outcome following tubularized incised plate repair of hypospadias in toilet trained children after an intermediate followup. Children were included in this study only if they were toilet trained and had flow rate data not less than 6 months after primary tubularized incised plate hypospadias repair or 2 months after any secondary procedure to correct complications. Uroflow data (peak flow, voided volume and post-void residuals) were analyzed and plotted on previously determined age-volume dependent nomograms. Of the 48 boys 39 required no secondary procedures, while 9 secondary fistula closures were performed in 2, meatotomy in 2 and dilation in 5. After either primary (26) or secondary (7) procedures 33 of the 48 patients (68.7%) had normal peak flow rate and 15 (31.3%) had low peak flow rate. Of the 48 patients 46 had post-void residual urine less than 10% of voided volume. Most children will void efficiently with no straining and no post-void residual (1/2) to 4 years after tubularized incised plate hypospadias repair. Of our patients 68.7% have normal peak flow rate. Intermediate followup of larger series and followup at puberty are recommended to resolve the debate concerning the long-term functional outcome of tubularized incised plate hypospadias repair.

Tubularized‐incised plate urethroplasty in adults

To evaluate the results of tubularized incised-plate (TIP) urethroplasty for distal and midshaft hypospadias in adults, and to underline technical aspects to decrease complications. From December 1999 to January 2004, 13 patients with hypospadias and aged 18-26 years had a TIP urethroplasty as a primary repair. Five had distal penile and eight had midshaft hypospadias. In all cases a TIP urethroplasty was used as described for children. Urinary drainage was by a urethral Nelaton catheter connected to a urine bag. The catheter was removed after 10 days and the patients asked to attend a follow-up at 1, 3 and 6 months and then 6-monthly; the maximum follow-up was 3 years and the minimum was 3 months. One patient developed a fistula after the repair of distal penile hypospadias, which closed spontaneously after a month. All patients with a successful repair voided with a single straight urinary stream in a forward direction. They had a normally situated slit-like glanular meatus. TIP repair in adults is associated good results. There is no difference in terms of wound healing, infection, complication rates and overall success between the TIP repair in children and adults. The cosmetic and functional outcome was comparable to that in children.

Unstented tubularized incised plate urethroplasty combined with foreskin reconstruction for distal hypospadias.

Urethral stent has recently been proven to be unnecessary for normal healing in an animal model of tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty. We report our experience with unstented TIP repair combined with foreskin reconstruction for distal hypospadias in children. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 162 children consecutively treated by TIP urethroplasty for a distal or mid-shaft hypospadias without urethral stent over a 6 years period. The mean age +/- SEM at surgery was 15.7 +/- 1.2 months. A foreskin reconstruction was performed with the hypospadias repair in 136 boys (84%). One hundred thirty one children (81%) underwent this surgery as an outpatient procedure. With a mean follow-up of 12.4 +/- 1.0 months, urethrocutaneous fistula was observed in 9 children (5.6%), and meatal stenosis in 4 (2.5%). Postoperative urinary retention requiring suprapubic catheter insertion was observed in 4 cases (2.5%) without later complications. Cutaneous dehiscence of the reconstructed foreskin occurred in 6 children (4.4%) and phimosis in 13 (9.5%). Absence of urethral stent after TIP urethroplasty for distal hypospadias repair does not seem to increase postoperative complication rate. Foreskin reconstruction in distal hypospadias surgery has an acceptable complication rate.

Comprehensive analysis of tubularized incised‐plate urethroplasty in primary and re‐operative hypospadias

To retrospectively review our experience of the tubularized incised-plate (TIP) urethroplasty over the last 4 years. From 1998 to December 2001, 133 patients (mean age 7 years, sd 4, range 1-22), had a TIP urethroplasty by one surgeon for primary (103) and re-operative (30) hypospadias; the defects included 106 (79%) distal and mid-shaft, and 27 (21%) posterior shaft. The neourethra was covered by a subcutaneous flap in 66 (50%) patients or by corpus spongiosa (spongioplasty) in 31 (23%), with no cover in the remaining 36 (27%). In the last 20 patients (15%) a modified meatoplasty was used; the site and size of the new meatus was predetermined on the glans around a suitable catheter before any incision. Urethral stents were not used after repair in 39 (29%) patients, and regular meatal dilation was used only in patients with voiding difficulty and obvious tendency to stenosis. The presence of complications requiring re-operation and overall general appearance were recorded. The mean (sd) follow-up was 10 (5) months; there were 24 complications in 20 patients (15%), including a small fistula in 12 (9%), complete disruption of the repair in 4 (3%), meatal stenosis in seven (5%) and neourethral stricture in one (0.8%). Complications were not significantly different between primary and re-operative cases, and unaffected by the use of the stents. On univariate analysis complications were significantly higher with running than interrupted sutures, in repairs in the first 2 years of the study, in patients with posterior hypospadias, and in those with no neourethral coverage. However, the last two factors were the only significant independent risk factors in a multivariate analysis. Regular urethral dilatation was indicated in 43 patients (32%). Modified meatoplasty was associated with a significantly lower requirement for regular dilatation (P < 0.05) and no meatal stenosis. In the 113 complication-free patients the operation gave an excellent cosmetic appearance with a vertical slit meatus on the tip of conical glans in 110 (97%); there was slight meatal retraction in the remaining three patients. The TIP repair is a reliable method for treating both distal and proximal penile shaft hypospadias, is suitable for both primary and re-operative cases, and is more versatile than other repairs. Covering the neourethra with a flap or spongioplasty significantly improves the results. Regular urethral dilatation is required in a third of patients but modified meatoplasty obviates the need for regular dilatation and eliminates the risk of meatal stenosis.

Unstented Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty Combined with Foreskin Reconstruction for Distal Hypospadias

Background and aim: Urethral stent has recently been proven to be unnecessary for normal healing in an animal model of tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty. We report our experience with unstented TIP repair combined with foreskin reconstruction for distal hypospadias in children. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 162 children consecutively treated by TIP urethroplasty for a distal or mid-shaft hypospadias without urethral stent over a 6 years period. The mean age±SEM at surgery was 15.7±1.2 months. A foreskin reconstruction was performed with the hypospadias repair in 136 boys (84%). One hundred thirty one children (81%) underwent this surgery as an outpatient procedure. Results: With a mean follow-up of 12.4±1.0 months, urethrocutaneous fistula was observed in 9 children (5.6%), and meatal stenosis in 4 (2.5%). Postoperative urinary retention requiring suprapubic catheter insertion was observed in 4 cases (2.5%) without later complications. Cutaneous dehiscence of the reconstructed foreskin occurred in 6 children (4.4%) and phimosis in 13 (9.5%). Conclusions: Absence of urethral stent after TIP urethroplasty for distal hypospadias repair does not seem to increase postoperative complication rate. Foreskin reconstruction in distal hypospadias surgery has an acceptable complication rate.

A new algorithm for primary hypospadias repair based on tip urethroplasty

Background/Purpose: Decision making in hypospadias repair potentially can be simplified by tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty. The authors report management and outcomes in a consecutive series of primary hypospadias repairs in which the intent was to perform TIP. Methods: Records of 106 consecutive boys undergoing hypospadias repair by 1 surgeon were reviewed. Position of the meatus, degree and management of curvature, technical details of the urethroplasty, and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: Curvature was noted in 24 (23%) of patients, but could be corrected with preservation of the urethral plate in all but 3. In another boy, the incised plate was thought “unhealthy” for tubularization. The remaining 102 underwent TIP, of whom, 75 had distal and 27 had proximal hypospadias. Complications, primarily fistulas, occurred in 14 (13%) of these patients. The other 4 boys underwent staged repairs that utilized TIP for the glanular urethra at the second operation. Conclusions: The authors found decision making was no longer determined by meatal location as in the past, but by severity of curvature and appearance of the incised urethral plate. Because severe curvature requiring plate transection or an “unhealthy” incised plate are uncommonly encountered, TIP repair can be performed for most hypospadias operations.

Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty: modification and outcome.

To review the outcome of tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty in the primary treatment of penile hypospadias with minimal chordee and to describe our experience with the lateral flap used to cover the urethroplasty. The charts of all patients with penile hypospadias who underwent primary TIP repair in our hospital between 1996 and 2001 were examined and pre as well as postoperative biodata were recorded. We used the lateral flap to cover the repair rather than a flap harvested from preputual skin as in the original description. 94 patients were identified but only 83 were suitable for analysis. The mean age of the evaluable patients was 2.67 years (range 1-10). The mean of follow-up was 17.49 months (range 1-54). The preoperative meatal position was coronal in 50 (60.2%), distal shaft in 28 (33.7%) and mid shaft in 5 (6.1%) patients. The mean length of the urethral plate was 8 mm (range 5-15) while the mean width of the plate was 6 mm (range 4-8). In 30 patients (36.14%) chordee was present preoperatively. All patients were admitted to the hospital following the TIP urethroplasty with a urethral stent in place. The lateral flap was used to cover the repair in 70 patients. The stent was left for an average of 7.83 days (7-10). The average hospital stay was 8.83 days (7-11). A cosmetically normal vertically oriented slit-like meatus was seen in 78 (94%) patients. The TIP repair revealed an apical meatus in 82 (98.8%) and a conical glanular configuration in 79 (95.20%) patients. The parents observed that the urinary stream and the penile shaft were straight in 75 (90.4%) and 82 (98.8%) patients respectively. Seven patients (8.4%) developed meatal stenosis requiring repeated dilatations; four patients (4.8%) developed urethrocutaneous fistula and one (1.2%) had postoperative bleeding requiring transfusion. Of the 70 patients who had the lateral flap, 3 (4.28%) developed urethrocutaneous fistula. Our experience indicates that the TIP repair gives a good cosmetic and functional outcome with minimal complications. Urethroplasty coverage using the lateral flap is associated with a low incidence of urethrocutaneous fistulae.

Tubularized Incised Plate Repair: Functional Outcome After Intermediate Followup

We describe the functional outcome following tubularized incised plate repair of hypospadias in toilet trained children after an intermediate followup. Children were included in this study only if they were toilet trained and had flow rate data not less than 6 months after primary tubularized incised plate hypospadias repair or 2 months after any secondary procedure to correct complications. Uroflow data (peak flow, voided volume and post-void residuals) were analyzed and plotted on previously determined age-volume dependent nomograms. Of the 48 boys 39 required no secondary procedures, while 9 secondary fistula closures were performed in 2, meatotomy in 2 and dilation in 5. After either primary (26) or secondary (7) procedures 33 of the 48 patients (68.7%) had normal peak flow rate and 15 (31.3%) had low peak flow rate. Of the 48 patients 46 had post-void residual urine less than 10% of voided volume. Most children will void efficiently with no straining and no post-void residual (1/2) to 4 years after tubularized incised plate hypospadias repair. Of our patients 68.7% have normal peak flow rate. Intermediate followup of larger series and followup at puberty are recommended to resolve the debate concerning the long-term functional outcome of tubularized incised plate hypospadias repair.

Tubularized incised‐plate urethroplasty for hypospadias reoperation

ObjectiveTo review our preliminary results of tubularized incised‐plate (TIP) urethroplasty for reoperative hypospadias repair.Patients and methodsThe study comprised 15 patients, of whom eight had undergone a previous repair by techniques that included incision into the midline of the urethral plate, while in the remaining seven the midline of the plate had been left undisturbed. The meatus at reoperation was subcoronal or on the distal shaft in all but one boy, who had a midshaft hypospadias. All had previously undergone one attempt at hypospadias repair, except for one patient presenting after two failed ‘meatal advancement and glanuloplasty incorporated’ procedures. The TIP repair was undertaken as described for primary surgery, except that the dorsal dartos flaps for interposition between the neourethra and skin closure were available less often.ResultsTIP resulted in a functional neourethra and a cosmetically normal meatus in 13 of the 15 patients. One boy healed with a slightly rounded meatus and the other had wound dehiscence; fistulae developed in another two boys, giving three patients with complications. The fistulae occurred in boys whose original surgery did not include urethral plate incision, while the dehiscence was in a patient with partial excision of the plate during previous tubularized preputial flap repair.ConclusionsTIP urethroplasty can potentially be used for hypospadias reoperation. Previous incision of the urethral plate was not a contraindication in these selected cases in which the plate appeared supple. However, TIP repair should be avoided in repeat hypospadias surgery if the plate has been resected or is obviously scarred.

Tubularized incised-plate urethroplasty for hypospadias reoperation.

To review our preliminary results of tubularized incised-plate (TIP) urethroplasty for reoperative hypospadias repair. The study comprised 15 patients, of whom eight had undergone a previous repair by techniques that included incision into the midline of the urethral plate, while in the remaining seven the midline of the plate had been left undisturbed. The meatus at reoperation was subcoronal or on the distal shaft in all but one boy, who had a midshaft hypospadias. All had previously undergone one attempt at hypospadias repair, except for one patient presenting after two failed 'meatal advancement and glanuloplasty incorporated' procedures. The TIP repair was undertaken as described for primary surgery, except that the dorsal dartos flaps for interposition between the neourethra and skin closure were available less often. TIP resulted in a functional neourethra and a cosmetically normal meatus in 13 of the 15 patients. One boy healed with a slightly rounded meatus and the other had wound dehiscence; fistulae developed in another two boys, giving three patients with complications. The fistulae occurred in boys whose original surgery did not include urethral plate incision, while the dehiscence was in a patient with partial excision of the plate during previous tubularized preputial flap repair. TIP urethroplasty can potentially be used for hypospadias reoperation. Previous incision of the urethral plate was not a contraindication in these selected cases in which the plate appeared supple. However, TIP repair should be avoided in repeat hypospadias surgery if the plate has been resected or is obviously scarred.

Tubularized incised‐plate urethroplasty for proximal hypospadias

To report the experience of one surgeon using tubularized incised-plate (TIP) urethroplasty to repair proximal hypospadias in a consecutive series of boys. The records of 33 consecutive patients with midshaft to scrotal hypospadias undergoing TIP repair by one surgeon were reviewed. Dorsal plication was used as necessary for penile straightening, to preserve the urethral plate. Standard TIP urethroplasty was undertaken, and the follow-up included the selective use of neourethral calibration and urethroscopy. Plication was necessary in 18 (55%) patients. The incised plate had a supple appearance in all but two boys. The mean (range) follow-up was 9 (1-48) months and included calibration in 16 (48%) and urethroscopy in 13 (39%) patients. Complications were noted in 11 (33%) boys, of whom seven (21%) developed small fistulae. The two patients in whom the incised plate appeared unhealthy had dehiscence of the repair and contracture of the neourethra with recurrent penile curvature, respectively. There was one meatal stenosis and one short neourethral stricture. TIP urethroplasty can be used to repair proximal hypospadias in the absence of severe penile curvature, and if the incised urethral plate has a supple appearance. As with distal hypospadias repair, the procedure creates a normal-appearing penis with a slit-like meatus.

TUBULARIZED INCISED PLATE URETHROPLASTY:: EXPANDED USE IN PRIMARY AND REPEAT SURGERY FOR HYPOSPADIAS

We evaluated the impact of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty on primary and repeat hypospadias repair. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all boys who underwent hypospadias repair at our institution during a recent 3-year period. The level of the hypospadias defect, technique of repair, primary repair versus reoperation, age at surgery and complications were recorded. A total of 520 hypospadias repairs were done from May 1996 through June 1999. We began to perform tubularized incised plate urethroplasty in November 1996. During the ensuing consecutive 32 months 181 primary and 25 repeat hypospadias repairs were done using this technique. Mean patient age at surgery was 22 months (range 3 months to 30 years). During the 6 months immediately before we began to use this method the Mathieu flip-flap procedure was the most commonly performed technique, accounting for 38% of all hypospadias repairs. In contrast, during the last 6 months reviewed tubularized incised plate urethroplasty accounted for 63% of all repairs, including 41 of 65 primary operations (63%) and 4 of 6 reoperations (67%), while no Mathieu procedures were performed. Postoperative followup was 6 to 38 months for tubularized incised plate repair. Overall meatal stenosis and a urethrocutaneous fistula developed in 1 and 14 boys, respectively (7% complication rate). Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty has become the preferred technique of primary and repeat hypospadias repair at our institution. The technique has few complications as well as proved success and versatility that continues to expand its applicability and popularity.

Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for proximal hypospadias

To review our experience of using the tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty (useful in the treatment of distal hypospadias) to treat proximal hypospadias. From March 1997 to March 2000 primary repairs were carried out on 40 boys (mean age 4.5 years) with proximal hypospadias. After degloving the penile skin the meatus was at the mid-shaft in 10 boys, at the proximal penile shaft in 11, at the penoscrotal junction in 16, at the scrotum in two and at the perineum in one. The 21 patients with a mid or proximal shaft meatus were categorized as having mid-shaft and the other 19 as having posterior hypospadias. Tunica albuginea plication (TAP) was used to correct residual ventral curvature. The method of urethroplasty was adapted from that described by Snodgrass. The key step of the TIP repair is a midline incision of the urethral plate; a subcutaneous tissue flap dissected from the inner prepuce is used to cover the neourethra. An 8 or 10 F nasogastric tube is used as a urethral stent and removed 7 or 8 days after surgery. Follow-up endoscopy and urethral sounding were carried out in 17 of the patients aged < 6 years; the mean follow-up was 12.5 months. TAP was used to correct penile curvature in nine (23%) of the patients. Excluding stenosis, the TIP repair was successful in 20 (90%) of those with mid-shaft and in 16 of the 19 with posterior hypospadias; for all complications the respective rates were 19 of 22 and 15 of 19. The overall success rate was 88% for all 40 patients with proximal hypospadias; a urethrocutaneous fistula occurred in two of those with mid-shaft and three of those with posterior hypospadias. Urethral meatal stenosis occurred in four (12%) of the patients (two in each group); two were associated with a fistula and the other two had only mild meatal stenosis. The overall complication rate was 17.5% (three and four in the mid and the posterior hypospadias groups, respectively). The meatal stenosis was managed by simple dilatation in three and meatoplasty in one patient. Endoscopically, the mucosa of neourethra was pink and smooth in all 17 patients assessed. The calibre of all 17 neourethra was > or = 8 F and in 13 was > or = 10 F. TIP repair is a reliable method for treating both mid-shaft and posterior hypospadias.