Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty Research Articles

Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty repair in adult hypospadias patients. Are results similar to those reported in the pediatric age group? A prospective study

ObjectiveMost studies published in the literature report on the results of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) for hypospadias repair in children. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the results of TIPU repair in adults. Patients and methodsThe records of 60 adult patients with primary hypospadias treated with TIPU between April 2009 and May 2012 were reviewed. All the procedures were done by the same surgeon under similar conditions and using the same kind of instruments and suture material. On clinical examination, the meatal location, as well as the presence/absence of chordee and penile torsion was assessed. The quality of the spongiosum and the width of the urethral plate were evaluated intraoperatively. The postoperative complications and results were recorded and the data were analyzed. ResultsThe patients’ age ranged from 16 to 27 years with a mean of 21 years. Out of the 60 cases, 43 (72%) had distal penile, 7 (11%) mid-penile and 10 (17%) proximal hypospadias. Penile torsion was present in 10 (17%) cases with 80% having a torsion ≤45° and 20% having a torsion of 45–90°. Ventral chordee ranging from 30° to 90° was present in 14 (23%) cases. Chordee correction was possible by penile de-gloving in 4 (29%) patients (2 with distal and 2 with mid-penile hypospadias), by further mobilization of the urethral plate with the corpus spongiosum in 3 (21%) and by proximal urethral mobilization in another 6 (42%) patients with proximal hypospadias. One (7%) patient also required tunica albuginea plication. The urethral plate was wide in 22 (37%), average in 26 (43%) and narrow in 12 (20%) patients. Fifty percent of the patients with a narrow urethral plate developed complications, compared to 15% of the patients whose urethral plate had an average width and none of the patients with a wide urethral plate. The spongiosum was well developed in 38 (63%) patients, while in 11 (18%) patients each the spongiosum was moderately and poorly developed. The complication rates were significantly higher (55%) in patients with a poorly developed spongiosum as compared to those with a well-developed spongiosum. The overall complication rate was 17% including fistula in 10% of the patients (2 patients with mid-penile and 4 patients with proximal hypospadias). Meatal stenosis was found in 4 patients with distal hypospadias (7%) who responded well to meatal dilatation. The fistula cases required surgical repair with a success rate of 100%. Mean hospitalization and follow-up were 9 days and 6–24 (median 37) months, respectively. ConclusionsComplications encountered in the present study were urethral fistula and meatal stenosis with a higher incidence in patients with proximal hypospadias than reported in the literature. The important factors for the outcome of TIPU were the severity of hypospadias, the degree of curvature and the development of the spongiosum and urethral plate. Proximal hypospadias with a poor urethral plate and severe curvature in adults is not suitable for TIPU. In such cases, single-stage flap urethroplasty or two-stage buccal mucosal urethroplasty should be considered instead.

Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty (TIPU) Experiences in Distal Hypospadias Cases

Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty (TIPU) Experiences in Distal Hypospadias Cases

Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty results in patients with proximal hypospadias

Objective : To evaluate the results of the patients with primary proximal hypospadias repaired by “tubularized incised plate” urethroplasty (TIPU). Methods: Thirty-three patients who were operated with TIPU technique in our clinic between 2003-2011 for primary hypospadias with proximal penile and penoscrotal meatus were retrospectively evaluated. Evaluation of the success in this study was, “voiding without fistula”. Results: Mean age was 6.82±3.07 (1-13). Fifteen patients (45.4%) had penoscrotal and 18 patients (54.6%) had proximal penil meatus. Postoperative success was evaluated with direct vision of voiding at the time of un-catheterization, 2 weeks and 6 months after un-catheterization. Success rates were 5/15 and 10/18 after the first repair in the level penoscrotal and proximal penil, respectively. Overall success rate was 45.5% after the first repair. Patients with urethral fistula after first repair were undergone second repair, success rates were increased to 9/15 and 16/18 in the levels of penoscrotal and proximal penil, respectively. Overall success rate after second repair was 75.8%. Conclusion: TIPU may be confidently applied for the patients with proximal hypopadias in experienced clinics, if there is not an uretral cordi or/and abnormality in the development of urethral plate. Key words: Proximal, hypospadias, tubularize incised plate urethroplasty

Comparison of variables affecting the surgical outcomes of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty in adult and pediatric hypospadias

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends operating on hypospadias between the ages of 6-12 months. Since most births in developed countries are conducted in a hospital, parents are likely to be well informed and counseled about the hypospadias. However, significant numbers of births in developing countries are still conducted at home, with illiteracy, poverty and ignorance often leading to late presentation at the hospital. Reported hypospadias-repair complication rates are higher in adults compared with those having surgery in childhood. The present study's objective was to evaluate the factors affecting surgical outcome in hypospadias patients undergoing tubularized and tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) in adulthood compared with childhood. A prospective study of 60 adult patients >16 years, and 60 pediatric patients <5 years who underwent TIPU for primary hypospadias between May 2008 and May 2012. Patients were operated on by a single surgeon, under similar circumstances, and were pre-operatively examined to assess meatal location, chordee, and torsion; they were also examined intra-operatively for quality of spongiosum and urethral plate width. The outcomes were assessed by patient/parents for satisfaction regarding cosmesis, urinary stream and complications. The age of the patients varied from 16 to 27 years, with a mean of 20.8 years in adults, and 6 months to 5 years, with a mean of 2.1 years, in children. The type of hypospadias, degree of curvature, quality of spongiosum and urethral plate width were comparable in both groups, but complication rates were higher in adults (16.7%) than in the pediatric (6.7%) group (Figure1A-D). Meatal stenosis responded well to dilatation, but fistulae required revision surgery and had a cure rate of 100%. The median follow-up was 37 months in adults, and 39 months in children. The higher complication rates in adults may be due to more frequent erections; increased susceptibility to infection along with relatively reduced vascularity lead to poor wound healing and increased complication rates. The limitation of the study was the small number of patients with mid and proximal hypospadias having lesser incidences in comparison with distal hypospadias. Adequate number of patients in these subgroups could have further strengthened the statistical correlation. Secondly, there was no objective criterion like uroflowmetry to assess urinary stream. Complication rates were higher in adults undergoing TIPU compared with pediatric patients, which was also statistically significant in distal hypospadias. The important factors in surgical outcome were: severity of hypospadias, degree of curvature, quality of spongiosum, and urethral plate width.

Assessment of postoperative outcomes of hypospadias repair with validated questionnaires

PurposeA standardized assessment for the optimal repair of hypospadias remains elusive. This study utilized validated questionnaires to assess the postoperative functional, cosmetic, and psychosocial outcomes of hypospadias repair. Materials and methods172 patients who underwent hypospadias repair under the care of a single surgeon were identified. 25 agreed for follow-up using the validated questionnaires of Hypospadias Objective Scoring Evaluation (HOSE), Pediatric Penile Perception Scale (PPPS), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™4.0). ResultsMean follow-up was 59months postoperatively (range 7–113months). Techniques used included tubularized incised plate urethroplasty, meatal advancement and glanuloplasty, and a 2-stage repair. 23 of 25 patients achieved a HOSE score of 14 or more (maximum of 16). The PPPS scores correlated with severity of the hypospadias. Those with glanular hypospadias (mean score=10) scored higher than those with coronal (mean score=9) and penile/penoscrotal hypospadias (mean score=7). There was no correlation between PedsQL™4.0 scores and the severity of hypospadias or procedure used. ConclusionValidated questionnaires revealed generally good functional, cosmetic, and early psychosocial outcomes after hypospadias repair. The use of validated questionnaires in routine follow-up sessions may facilitate objective assessment of both functional outcomes and patient satisfaction.

A Comparative Study to Evaluate the Outcome of Double Dartos Flap in Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty for Distal Hypospadias Repair

Background/purpose: The tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (Snodgrass technique) presents the procedure of choice for distal hypospadias repair. Fistula formation is the most common complication with various rates. Avoiding overlap of suture lines in the Snodgrass repair is critical to minimize fistula formation through second-layer coverage of the neourethra. We compared the outcome of double- layer dartos flaps to flapless procedure in the tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for distal hypospadias repair to assess the effectiveness of dartos flap in this method.Methods: Our study included 28 patients aged upto 12 years who were treated with tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for distal hypospadias in Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital from April 2010 to December 2011. They were divided into two groups. Group A (14 patients) had double dartos flap coverings. Group B (14 patients) had no dartos flap covering. The dissected dorsal dartos flap was bisected vertically to form two pedicle wings. Each wing was rotated laterally from either side of the glans to cover the neourethra ventrally in a double-layer fashion.Result: Mean follow up period was 9 months. In Group A, one patient (7%) developed fistula and one (7%) superficial skin necrosis. On the other hand three (21%) patients developed fistula and one patient (7%) meatal stenosis in group B, who were treated with Snodgrass procedure without using dartos flap. All successful repaired hypospadias patients of both groups had a cosmetically normal looking circumcised penis with ventrally slit meatus.Conclusions : Double dartos flaps covering of the neourethra is a simple procedure and could be effective for the prevention of urethrocutaneous fistula after tubularized incised plate urethroplasty.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 3(2): 65-70, 2012 (July)

Preputial Dartos Reinforced Snodgrass Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasties in Distal Hypospadias to Prevent Urethrocutaneous Fistula

Urethro cutaneous fistula( U-C fistula) is the most common complication of hypospadias surgery. It frequently needs separate surgeries for closure, which bring a great deal of physical and mental agony and monetary involvement of the patient and his family. Many efforts have been invented to prevent the u-c fistula with various degree of success. We would like to see the outcome of “Preputial Dartos Reinforced Snodgrass Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasties in Distal Hypospadias to Prevent Urethrocutaneous Fistula”. This interventional study was performed to see the outcome of preputial dartos reinforced Snodgrass tubularized incised plate urethroplasties in distal hypospadias specially urethrocutaneous fistula prevention. For this purpose 40 patients were selected having distal hypospadias age ranging from 6 months to 11 years admitted in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Mymensingh Medical College &amp; Hospital during the period of January 2010 to March 2011. Out of 40 patients, 20 were in group-A (preputial dartos flap) and another 20 were included in group - B (without flap). All this patients were followed by perioperative and postoperative care. Few patients developed postoperative pyrexia, wound infection, stent blockage which were treated accordingly leaving minimum morbidity. Both groups of patients were followed up for 3 months after surgery. Present study is probably a better technique to prevent fistulaassociated morbidities in distal Snodgrass TIP urethroplasties.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 3(1): 12-17, 2012 (January)

Normalized Urinary Flow at Puberty after Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty for Hypospadias in Childhood

An obstructive urinary flow pattern is frequently seen after tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for hypospadias. However, the significance of this finding has not been determined and long-term results are few. We describe postoperative long-term uroflowmetry results after puberty in males who underwent tubularized incised plate urethroplasty in childhood. A total of 126 boys underwent tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for distal penile to mid shaft hypospadias at Queen Silvia Children's Hospital in Gothenburg between 1999 and 2003. Of the patients 48 were toilet trained at surgery. We report on 40 patients who had data available at 2and 12 months postoperatively, 7 years postoperatively and at puberty (median age 15.0 years, range 13.7 to 17.1). Of the patients 31 had distal and 9 had mid penile hypospadias. Clinical examination, urinary medical history, uroflowmetry and ultrasound measuring residual urine were performed. Maximum urinary flow was correlated to age and voided volume, using Miskolc nomograms for comparison of percentiles. At 1 year postoperatively 15 boys (37.5%) had normal urinary flow (above 25th percentile), compared to 16 (40%) at 7 years and 38 (95%) at puberty (p <0.0001). Improvement was significant in patients with distal (p <0.0001) and mid penile hypospadias (p = 0.008), as well as in patients who did (p = 0.0078) and did not undergo intervention (p <0.0001). During followup 5 patients underwent meatotomy due to obstructive symptoms and 4 underwent dilation. Three of these 9 patients had lichen sclerosus. There is great potential for normalization of urinary flow at puberty for boys with hypospadias treated with tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. Unless symptoms occur, a conservative approach seems preferable.

Is combined inner preputial inlay graft with tubularized incised plate in hypospadias repair worth doing?

It has been noted that after tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIP) repair, the final meatal position is glanular but not at the optimum position. Inner preputial inlay graft combined with tubularized incised plate (G-TIP) has been proposed for redo urethroplasty. We extended this indication to be the standard technique for primary hypospadias repair. We conduct this prospective study to obtain a wide, slit-like appearance neomeatus at the optimum position in the glans proper and to judge if hypospadias repair complications differ from TIP repair in the published data in the literature. This prospective study included 230 consecutive patients who underwent this technique. The study was conducted from November 2011 to August 2014 for all hypospadias cases to be repaired in a single stage regardless of the width and depth of urethral plate or the glans size and shape. Localization of the meatus was glanular in 13 patients, coronal in 75, distal penile in 112, mid penile in 25 and proximal in five. The urethral plate was incised deeply and extended distally beyond the end of the plate by 3 mm in glans proper. The mucosal graft was harvested from the inner prepuce, inlayed and quilted in the incised urethral plate. The neourethra was created over a urethral catheter in two layers. The vascular dartos flap was mobilized dorsally and moved ventrally to cover the neourethral suture line as a barrier. The follow-up period ranged from 5 to 36 months. Excellent cosmetic and functional results were achieved in 221 of 230 patients (96.09%). Neither meatal stenosis nor urethral diverticulum were encountered. An excellent glanular position of a wide slit-like neomeatus was achieved using this technique. Nine patients (3.91%) developed urethrocutaneous fistula. Excellent urinary stream was reported by parents. Combined inner preputial graft with TIP urethroplasty secures the optimal glanular position of a wide slit-like neomeatus because of extension of the incision beyond the end of the plate, thus optimizing functional and cosmetic outcome with no meatal stenosis.

Tunica vaginalis flap following 'Tubularised Incised Plate' urethroplasty to prevent urethrocutaneous fistulaa.

Introduction:Surgery for hypospadias has been continuously evolving, implying thereby that no single technique is perfect and suitable for all types of hypospadias. Snodgrass technique is presently the most common surgical procedure performed for hypospadias.Materials and Methods:We analysed the results of tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) as an additional cover to the tubularised incised plate (TIP) repair.Results:A total of 35 patients of hypospadias were repaired using TIP urethroplasty and TVF as a second layer. Mean age at the time of presentation was 6.63 ± 3.4 years. Post-operative complications namely wound infection, flap necrosis, scrotal haematoma, scrotal abscess, urethral fistula, meatal stenosis were recorded and analysed during follow-up period. Need for re-do surgery was considered as failure of the operative procedure. Out of 35 patients, 8 (22.85%) patients had proximal penile hypospadias and 27 (77.14%) patients had distal penile hypospadias. Mean post-operative follow-up was 24.53 months. During the follow-up complications noticed included wound infection (n = 2), urethrocutaneous fistula (n = 1) and meatal stenosis (n = 1). Wound infection was managed with appropriate antibiotics as per hospital policy/culture and sensitivity reports. Meatal stenosis responded to bougie dilatation/calibration during follow-up.Conclusion:To conclude, TVF as an additional cover is associated with an acceptable complication rate and good cosmetic results if performed with meticulous tissue handling

Comparison between tubularized incised plate urethroplasty and other types of urethroplasty for mid and distal penile hypospadias

Background: Hypospadias is a common congenital anomaly seen in the male child. The aim of this study was to compare tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty and other types of single stage urethroplasty for mid and distal penile hypospadias. Patients and Methods: Seventy-seven patients having mid and distal penile hypospadias were assessed prospectively and retrospectively from March 2010 to September 2014. The study had retrospective (March 2010-February 2013) and prospective (April 2013-September 2014) divisions. Forty-four patients underwent surgical repair using TIP technique and 33 patients, using other urethroplasties (Mathieu, meatal advancement and glanuloplasty incorporation, and Asopa techniques). Patients were reviewed at 2 weeks, 1-month, and 3 months after discharge. Data including fistula formation, cosmetic disfigurement, and duration of the surgery were collected and the two groups were compared. Results: In both retrospective and prospective groups, TIP urethroplasty has a better outcome than other type of urethroplasties for both mid and distal hypospadias. The fistula formation rates were 31.82% (7) and 64.70% (11) in distal and 31.82% (7) and 62.5% (10) in mid hypospadias in TIP and other urethroplasty group, respectively, significant result in distal hypospadias. The cosmetic disfigurement rates were 5.88% (1) and 17.64% (3) in distal and 9.09% (2) and 18.75% (3) in mid hypospadias in TIP and other urethroplasty group, respectively. Mean operative time duration in TIP urethroplasty was 90.79 min and 110.15 min in other urethroplasty group and was statistically significant. Conclusion: TIP urethroplasty is a simple procedure for treatment of both mid and distal penile hypospadias, with less complications and satisfactory results as compared to other urethroplasties. Cosmetic appearance of urethral meatus was also more satisfactory with TIP urethroplasty than other urethroplasties.

S319: Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty in the reoperative hypospadias surgeries

S319: Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty in the reoperative hypospadias surgeries

S127: Role of the urethral plate characters in the success of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty

S127: Role of the urethral plate characters in the success of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty

The effect of dorsal dartos flaps on complication rates in hypospadias repair: A randomised prospective study

This study prospectively analysed the effect of using a dartos flap on the complication rates of TIPU (tubularised incised plate urethroplasty) in hypospadias repair. Patients having TIPU repair for hypospadias at our university hospital between January 2010 and August 2013 were prospectively divided into two groups. Group 1 had TIPU repair with dorsal dartos flap, whereas group 2 had flapless repair. At the end of the follow-up period (mean 23.3 m, median 20.2), complication rates were compared between two groups. There were 107 patients in each group. The overall complication rate was 9.3%. The complication rates were 12.1% in group 1 (6 glans dehiscence and 7 fistula) and 6.5% in group 2 (2 glans dehiscence and 5 fistula). The differences between complication rates and fistula were statistically insignificant (p = 0.2511 and p = 0.7710, respectively). Our prospective and randomised study found that the use of dartos flaps in hypospadias offers no statistically significant advantage over flapless repair for complication rates.

A modification of the TIP procedure for distal hypospadias: The burrowing technique.

The tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIP) hypospadias repair is a commonly performed procedure for hypospadias. Multiple series document excellent cosmetic outcome in conjunction with low complication rates. We describe a modification that we have named the "burrowing technique." We believe that this technique facilitates dissection of the glans, which improves mobility, decreases tension with closure, and potentially improves outcomes. A retrospective review was performed of 193 coronal or mid-shaft hypospadias repairs by a single surgeon. The first 98 were performed using the TIP procedure, then the burrowing technique was developed and a subsequent 95 were analyzed for outcomes using this modification. Urethral plate characteristics and glandular size did not influence the choice of surgical technique. Cases were selected to allow for a "learning curve," and were consecutively accrued. None of the boys had undergone prior hypospadias surgery. Proximal 2 stage repairs and distal (glanular) repairs were excluded. A total of 193 boys underwent repair, 98 with the traditional TIP procedure and 95 using the burrowing modification. In total, 37 (19.2%) patients required re-operation for either fistulas or dehiscence; 23 (23.5%) in the non-burrowing group and 14 (14.7%) in the burrowing group, odds ratio 0.54 (p = 0.10). The TIP procedure has revolutionized the management of distal hypospadias. The burrowing modification increases glandular mobility simplifying the procedure and demonstrates a non-statistically significant trend in reducing reoperation rates.

Role of the urethral plate characters in the success of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty.

Background:Today, tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty is the most commonly performed operation for distal and mid-penile hypospadias. Reports from different centers worldwide confirm its nearly universal applicability and low complications rate.Aim:Evaluation of the urethral plate characters and its effect on the outcome of TIP urethroplasty.Materials and Methods:Between 2010 and 2013, 100 children with primary distal penile hypospadias underwent TIP urethroplasty. Urethral plates were categorized as flat, cleft, and deeply grooved. Postoperatively, patients were followed-up for evaluation of meatal stenosis, fistula formation, and glandular dehiscence at 1st, 3rd and 6th months. Patients were followed-up for urethral calibration by urethral sound 8 Fr at 3rd and 6 months follow-up. Data were statistically analysed using Epi info program to correlate between the width, plate shape, and complications.Results:Mean age at surgery was 4.3 years. Patients were followed-up for an average period of 6.4 months. Pre-operative location of the meatus was reported as coronal in 46, subcoronal in 50 and anterior penile in 4 cases. Urethral plate characters were flat in 26 cases, cleft in 52, and deeply grooved in 22. Urethral plate width was >8 mm in 74 cases and <8 mm in 26. Patients with urethral plate <8 mm had a statistically significant higher fistula rate (P = 0.004) and failed 8 Fr calibrations in 26.9% (P = 0.01) compared with the patients with urethral plate >8 mm. In addition, we also founds higher fistula rate and failed 8 Fr calibrations in flat urethral plate.Conclusions:An adequate urethral plate width (>8 mm) is essential for successful TIP repair. Lower success rates with flat plates may need buccal mucosal augmentation to improve the results.

Snodgrass Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty for Distal and Midpenile Hypospadias

Introduction: Despite hundreds of repair techniques for hypospadias, the introduction of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIP) by Warren T. Snodgrass has become popular because of good functional and cosmetic outcome. The objective of this study was to share our experience of Snodgrass tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty for the repair of distal and mid-penile hypospadias. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried out for a period of 24 months. It included 46 male patients with the mean age of 4.1 years (18 months to 10 years). Proximal hypospadias and those distal with moderate to severe chordee were excluded. All cases underwent TIP urethroplasty as described by Snodgrass and the neourethra was covered by single or double layer of dorsal prepucial layer. The results were analyzed on the basis of duration of surgery, types of postoperative complications like urethrocutaneous fistula, meatal stenosis and wound dehiscence. Functional results assessed with ease of voiding, force and direction of urinary stream and cosmetic with external look of penis. Results: The overall complication rate requiring surgical intervention was 8 (17.3%). Mean duration of surgery was 66 minutes (60-80 minutes). Urethrocutaneous fistula occurred in 5 (10.8%), meatal stenosis in 1 (2.1%) and wound dehiscence in 2 (4.3%) patient. The cosmetic appearance was excellent in all patients involved in this study except 2 cases of wound dehiscence. All of them had vertically oriented slit like meatus with straight urinary stream. Conclusion: Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty gives good functional and excellent cosmetic results with low rate of complications in distal and mid-penile hypospadias. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i1.8692 J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(1):29-33

Tunica Vaginalis Flap as a second layer for Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (Snodgrass method) in reoperation for hypospadias

Purpose: Reoperation for failed hypospadias has been considered to be seriously bothersome because abundant penile skin doesn’t tend to remain for urethroplasty or for penile shaft skin coverage. In this study, the tubularization of incised urethral platewrapped by tunica vaginalis flap as the second layer to increase the success rate of operation and decrease the incidence of urethrocutaneous fistula.

The use of a perimeatal-based penile skin flap to cover the repair of a tubularized incised plate urethroplasty: From experimental surgery to clinical practice

ObjectiveTo prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of a perimeatal-based penile skin flap for neourethral coverage after repair of distal hypospadias with tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU). MethodsIn 12 New Zealand white rabbits a ventral urethral defect was created and reconstruction was accomplished with continuous suture. An epithelialized defect-based flap was harvested from the penile skin to cover the repaired defect. The animals were euthanized on the 28th postoperative day and their penises were processed for microscopic examination. In 32 children with distal hypospadias a TIPU was performed. A penile skin flap was created immediately below the distal end of the neourethra and used to cover the urethroplasty. ResultsHistological examinations revealed complete restoration of continuity of the stratified squamous epithelium without evidence of inflammation or fistula formation with full consistency with the underlying papillary reticular and corium. There were no cases of fistula formation. One patient developed meatal stenosis. All patients had a satisfactory cosmetic appearance and excellent functional results. ConclusionThe formation of a perimeatal-based skin flap is a simple and safe method of providing additional cover for the constructed neourethra after TIPU, minimizing the fistula rate.

The effect of urethral catheter size on meatal stenosis formation in children undergoing tubularized incised plate urethroplasty.

Meatal stenosis is still a common problem in tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. In this study, we aimed to seek for a relationship between the size of urethral catheter and meatal stenosis formation in children undergoing tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. We retrospectively reviewed 83 children who underwent tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for hypospadias. The whole group was classified into the groups A and B based on the catheter size. One group (group A) consisted of 44 patients (mean age, 4.82 ± 3.83 years) with tubularized neourethra over a 6 Fr catheter, while the other group (group B) included 39 patients (mean age, 5.19 ± 3.83 years) with tubularized neourethra over a 8 Fr catheter. There were no significant differences between the groups according to their age, location of urethral meatus, dehiscence and urethrocutaneous fistula formation. Meatal stenosis formation in group B was markedly higher than that in group A. Number of meatal dilatation was higher in group B compared to group A. We suggest that the tubularization of urethral plate over a small-sized (6 Fr) catheter, regardless of the age of the patients, prevents meatal stenosis by reducing foreign body reaction and pressure injury and by hindering secondary healing.