Underwent Tubularized Incised Plate Repair Research Articles

Does the suturing technique (continuous versus interrupted) have an impact on the outcome of tubularized incised plate in hypospadias repair with adequate urethral plate? A prospective randomized study

Hypospadias is one of the most common anomalies of male external genitalia. The aim of hypospadias repair is to achieve a normal phallus with a satisfactory functional and cosmetic result and to develop a single and consistent urinary stream while in standing position. The introduction of tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty by Snodgrass in 1994 resulted in revolutionizing management of different types of hypospadias. While there is consensus on the use of absorbable sutures in hypospadias repair, there are no specific guidelines for the suturing technique and the technique itself remains debatable. To compare the outcome of interrupted- and continuous-suture in hypospadias repair using TIP technique. This was a prospective randomized study. It comprised 260 uncircumcised hypospadiac boys with adequate urethral plate who underwent TIP repair. Boys with glanular, recurrent, proximal hypospadias and inadequate urethral plate were excluded from the study. The boys were randomized into two groups: Group A consisted of 130 boys who underwent TIP repair using continuous subcuticular suture urethroplasty and Group B of 130 boys who underwent TIP repair using interrupted subcuticular suture urethroplasty. The operative time was of lower statistical significance in group A (P=0.006) while the rate of complications were of higher statistical significance in group A (P=0.027). Urethrocutaneous fistulae occurred in 20 patients (14 in Group A and six in Group B), which is a statistically significant difference (P=0.048). On the other hand, superficial wound infection, partial glans dehiscence, meatal stenosis, urethral stricture, and aesthetic appearance were statistically insignificant. The effect of suturing techniques in bowel anastomosis has been studied and it has been found that the use of an interrupted-suturing technique results in a decreased complication rate compared to continuous suturing. This agrees with our study where the running sutures groups was associated with a higher complication rate compared to interrupted sutures.

Self-reported outcomes after the onset of puberty in patients undergoing primary distal hypospadias repair by the tubularized incised plate technique combined with preputial reconstruction vs. circumcision: A norm related study

PurposeWe assessed self-reported outcomes after the onset of puberty in patients undergoing tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair in combination with preputial reconstruction (PR) or circumcision for primary distal hypospadias, in comparison to normal controls. Material and methodsOut of 498 patients undergoing primary distal hypospadias repairs between 2001 and 2012, 83 underwent TIP repair associated with PR or circumcision before age 10-year, and had a Tanner stage ≥2 at study. Outcomes were assessed by online self-administration of validated questionnaires and additional non-validated questions. Results were compared between patients undergoing TIP repair vs. normal age-matched controls (healthy volunteers), and, between patients undergoing PR vs. circumcision. ResultsForty-one of the 83 eligible patients completed the study (response rate 49.3%). Of these, 26 had undergone PR. Median post-operative follow-up was 11.8 (range 6.5–16.2) years. The control group included 45 healthy boys. Comparing groups, there were no statistically significant differences in the cosmetic aspect of the penis, patient perception of penile appearance, and quality of life. Irrespective of preputial management, patients reported fear of being teased for the appearance of their genitalia much more commonly than controls (p = 0.02), but this did not affect their relationship patterns and quality of life. ConclusionSelf-reported outcomes after the onset of puberty were not significantly different between patients undergoing primary TIP repair of distal hypospadias in childhood and normal controls. Patients were significantly more commonly feared of being teased for their genital appearance, but this did not interfere with their social skills. Preputial management, namely PR vs. circumcision, did not affect the outcome.

Pre-incision urethral plate width does not impact short-term Tubularized Incised Plate urethroplasty outcomes

Two reports have found that urethral plate (UP) widths <8mm before tubularized incised plate (TIP) incision increased urethroplasty complications. The present study measured pre-incision UP width in consecutive boys undergoing TIP to determine if it affected outcomes. The present study followed the method previously used by Holland and Smith, and Sarhan etal. to measure UP width before creating glans wings or performing midline plate incision in consecutive patients with primary hypospadias and ventral curvature <30°, who all underwent TIP repair (Summary Fig.). Glans width at its widest point was also measured. Multiple logistic regression assessed urethroplasty complications (fistula, glans dehiscence, meatal stenosis/urethral stricture, diverticulum) based on pre-incision UP width, glans width, patient age, and meatal location. The UP widths were determined in 224 consecutive primary TIP repairs during 2012-2015: 200 distal, 11 midshaft, and 13 proximal. The UP width was <8mm in 192/224 (86%) patients. Mean pre-incision width was 6.1mm (SD 1.5, range 2-11), without difference in UP widths according to meatal location (P=0.06). Mean post-incision UP width was 12mm (SD 2.2, range 10-16). Mean change in width after incision (delta/original UP width) was 116% (SD 63, range 20-250). There was follow-up in 186 patients for a mean of 6 months. Urethroplasty complications (five fistulas, six glans dehiscence) were diagnosed in 11 (6%): 9/165 distal, 1/9 midshaft, and 1/12 proximal repairs. There was no difference in those <8 vs ≥8mm (11/160 vs 0/26, P=0.17). Similarly, UP width was not different between patients with and without urethroplasty complications. Multiple logistic regression in these 186 patients - including meatal location, UP width, glans width, and age - found only glans width <14mm was associated with increased odds of urethroplasty complications (OR 19.2, 95% CI 3.5-106, AUC=0.799). The data show that pre-incision UP width is not an independent risk factor for urethroplasty complications. However, it is possible that technical factors, such as how deeply the dorsal incision is made or size of the urethral stent, might contribute to this finding by other authors. After watching the TIP repair, Smith stated that the plate incision was deeper than he made. Sarhan etal. reported a mean change of 57% in UP width after incision, whereas the present one was double at 116% (i.e. from 6mm pre-incision to 12mm post incision), and they used an 8-Fr catheter. While they stated that they incised the plate deeply, the lower percentage increase in width suggests that it was not as deep as was recommended. The UP width before incision did not increase urethroplasty complications. Surgeons do not need to measure or categorize the UP to determine suitability for TIP repair, as long as the plate incision is made deeply to the corpora.

Commentary to ‘Urethral strictures following urethral plate and proximal urethral elevation during proximal TIP hypospadias repair’

Mobilization of the urethral plate (UP) and native urethra is one of the manoeuvres that can be performed in order to straighten the penis while preserving UP continuity in severe hypospadias repair [1]. The authors of the present paper advocated it in conjunction with tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty in the recent past (see Ref. [2] in text). In the present series, they confirm that this combination is effective for penile straightening, as it allowed avoiding UP transection in some 25% of their cases with a 5% rate of recurrent curvature after a mean follow-up of 21 months. However, they also suggest that this combination is possibly hazardous and might predispose to stricture formation in the reconstructed urethra. The development of urethral strictures after TIP urethroplasty in patients undergoing UP/urethral mobilization is consistent with the concern that the latter might cause partial de-vascularization and ischemia in a UP that furthermore requires to be halved into two strips for tubularization. The 17% stricture rate is therefore a warning, but perhaps deserves some qualification. To begin with, this is a single-surgeon experience and, as the same authors acknowledge, other series of similar procedures did not include any such complication (see Refs. [3,4] in text). This cannot be attributed to the follow-up investigations performed, as the strictures reported in the present study were all symptomatic and none was diagnosed after a particular investigation in an otherwise asymptomatic patient. Moreover, it is worth noting that the stricture was very short, 1-mm to 3-mm long, in 3 of the 5 patients with this complication, and was associated with recurrent curvature due to contracture of the UP in only 1 case. In contrast, contracture of the UP was reported to be the cause of recurrent curvature in 2 of the 3 patients experiencing this complication in the group treated without mobilization. Yet, it is quite surprising that none of the patients undergoing mobilization developed any fistulas, as one would expect a higher rate of healing complications in the presence of ischemic tissues. According to the authors, technical refinements could account for the lower fistula rate in patients undergoing mobilization. This, however, points out that this study compares two series that were not contemporary, which is always a source of variability, and makes one wonder whether results in the patients undergoing TIP repair after UP/ urethral mobilization might improve as well with increasing experience. The latter might also include improvement in patient selection. Consistently, the authors suggest that TIP urethroplasty might still be an option in patients requiring mobilization of the UP, without mobilization of the native urethra or additional ventral lengthening procedures. Other possible criteria could be a UP wide enough after mobilization to make tubularization around a 10 Fr catheter possible (a 6 Fr was used in the present series), or a UP supported by thick spongiosum, especially if no injury to the latter and subsequent bleeding occurs during mobilization. Criteria for patient selection cannot be determined based on the data provided, but might account for the different results among series and deserve further enquiry. Finally, even fully accepting the authors’ conclusions, how can we incorporate them in our practice? Should we fully abandon UP mobilization, avoid combining it with a TIP repair, inlay graft the incised plate before tubularization, or always combine this maneuver with a flap urethroplasty?

Nonstented tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with Y-to-I spongioplasty in non–toilet trained children

This study was designed to evaluate the supportive role of spongioplasty during tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty repair of hypospadias. All non-toilet trained children who underwent TIP repair for primary hypospadias by 1 surgeon over a 30-month period were included in our study. The divergent spongiosa was mobilized off the corpora cavernosa and was rotated toward the midline to wrap the neourethra. A dartos flap was used to cover the neourethra. The neourethra was calibrated immediately after surgery in all patients. A urethral stent was left in place only when difficult calibration was encountered. Complications and cosmetic appearance were documented at last follow-up. Thirty-two consecutive patients with a mean age of 18 (standard deviation [SD] 6) months were included in the study. The defects were distal and mid-shaft in 26 patients (81.3%) and proximal-shaft in 6 (18.8%). No intraoperative catheterization difficulties were encountered and all repairs were nonstented. Antibiotics and anticholinergics were not required. Mean follow-up was 9 (SD 6) months. Urinary extravasation developed in 1 patient (3.1%) on the second postoperative day. A urethral catheter was easily inserted and left indwelling for 5 days. One patient presented 6 days postoperatively with suspected voiding difficulty. Urethral calibration was easily performed excluding any mechanical obstruction. There were no urinary fistulae and reoperation was not required. An excellent cosmetic appearance was achieved in all patients. TIP urethroplasty is a versatile operation that can be performed in almost all cases of penile hypospadias. A nonstented technique for hypospadias repair simplifies postoperative care and obviates the need for antibiotics and anticholinergics. We believe that spongioplasty provides good support to the neourethra and the hypoplastic distal urethra that may facilitate catheterization in the immediate and early postoperative periods, if required. Future controlled study is warranted to further evaluate the role of spongioplasty.

Outcome Analysis of Tubularized Incised Plate Repair in Hypospadias: Is a Catheter Necessary?

Objective: Tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty is performed by many pediatric urologists and has been widely accepted for repair of distal and mid-shaft hypospadias. However, the role of urethral catheter placement in TIP repair remains controversial. In this study, the surgical outcomes of indwelling urethral catheter and non-catheter TIP repairs in boys with hypospadias were compared. Methods: A total of 254 patients with primary distal and mid-shaft hypospadias underwent TIP repair and were evaluated retrospectively. A urethral catheter was placed in 103 patients (group A) and non-catheter repair was performed in 151 patients (group B). Information obtained included age, toilet training, chordee, type of hypospadias, presence or absence of a catheter, and postoperative complications. The complications recorded included wound infection, urinary tract infection, bladder spasm, urinary retention, urinary extravasation, meatal stenosis, urethral stricture, and urethrocutaneous fistula. Results: There was no statistical difference in age, toilet training, chordee, hypospadias site, or performing surgeon between the two groups. The median follow-up time was 22 and 24 months for groups A and B, respectively. The rate of bladder spasms (10.7 vs. 0%, p < 0.001) and urinary tract infection (9.7 vs. 3.3%, p = 0.034) was significantly higher for group A than group B. Although the rate of urinary retention was higher in group B than in group A (4.0 vs. 0%), there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.084). Likewise, the incidence of urethrocutaneous fistula and meatal stenosis was not significantly different. Conclusion: Non-catheter TIP repair is feasible and positive outcomes can be achieved with minimal complications and less patient discomfort.

Tubularized Incised Plate Repair for Penoscrotal Hypospadias: Role of Surgeon's Experience

To give a retrospective analysis of factors affecting outcome of tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair for penoscrotal hypospadias. Data of all patients who underwent TIP repair for penoscrotal hypospadias by a single surgeon were retrieved. Follow-up was carried out every 3 months within the first year and annually thereafter. Repairs were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 included surgeries performed in the first 2 years after fellowship training, and group 2 included repairs performed afterward. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Statistical significance was defined as P<.05. Data for 90 patients were retrieved for july 2001 through march 2009: Group 1 included 20 patients and group 2 included 70. The neourethra was covered with spongioplasty in 25 and dartos flap in 65. The overall success rate was 86%. Group 2 patients showed a statistically significant higher success rate of 91% compared with only 65% for group 1. Use of dartos flap was associated with statistically significant higher success (92%) compared with coverage of the neourethra with spongioplasty (68%). In group 1, use of dartos flap was associated with statistically significant better success (82% vs 33%). In group 2 patients, use of dartos flap showed no statistically better success (94% vs 81%). TIP is a valid procedure for repair of penoscrotal hypospadias with chordee<30 degrees. The overall success (86%) is satisfactory. Surgeon's experience is the pillar for better success.

Achieving a natural glanular meatus for distal hypospadias with a narrow and shallow plate: Tubularized incised plate versus modified Barcat repair

Although the tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair has become the most popular surgical procedure for distal hypospadias, some authors suggest that this is not suitable for hypospadias with a narrow plate or shallow groove. The configuration and position of the reconstructed meatus were postoperatively analyzed in patients with distal hypospadias whose preoperative urethral plates were shallow or narrow. The findings were compared between six patients undergoing TIP repair and seven patients undergoing modified Barcat (BAVIS) repair. Among those undergoing the TIP procedure, a slit-like meatus at the tip of the glans was achieved in one patient, a slit-like meatus at the mid portion of the glans in four patients and a round meatus at the mid portion of the glans in one patient. In those repaired by the BAVIS procedure, a slit-like meatus at the tip of glans was achieved in three patients, a round or irregularly shaped meatus at the tip of the glans in two patients, an irregularly shaped meatus at the mid portion of the glans in one patient and neourethral dehiscence in one patient. The present study confirms that a higher rate of achieving slit-like meatus but a lower rate of locating in the glans tip can be attained after TIP repair. On the other hand, there is a higher rate of locating the meatus in the glans tip but a lower rate of achieving a slit-like meatus after BAVIS repair.

Short-term catheterization after TIP repair in distal hypospadias: who are the best candidates?

Over the last decade, tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty has become the first choice of surgical technique in patients with distal hypospadias. Despite the excellent cosmetic and functional results, prolonged catheterization (7-14 days) remains the main disadvantage of the TIP repair. In this study, we investigated the outcomes of the short-term catheterization in children with distal hypospadias in order to elucidate any relationship between the length of catheterization and the patients' age, meatal localization and postoperative complication rates. The charts of 183 patients who underwent TIP repair for distal hypospadias in two different centers were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were grouped based on their catheter removal time (before 24 h vs. after 24 h) and the toilet status of children (toilet-trained vs. in-diaper). Children who had at least 6 months of follow-up and regular office visits were included in the study group, and the results were compared to the literature as well as the subgroups were also evaluated in terms of complications and catheterization period. A total of 128 patients with 40.4 months of the mean age (6-180 months) and 22.7 months of the follow-up (6-49 months) were included in the study. For the group 1 patients (n = 99) in whom the urethral catheter was removed before 24 h, the mean age and follow-up were 33.4 months (6-150 months) and 22.3 months (6-48 months), respectively. The catheters of group 2 patients (n = 29) were removed after 24 h, and their mean age and follow-up were 64.4 months (6-180 months) and 24.2 months (6-49 months), respectively. The group 2 patients were significantly older than those of group 1 (P < 0.05). The complications, such as fistula, meatal stenosis, tube dehiscence and buried penis, were seen in 11.1% of the group 1 and 13.8% of the group 2 (11.7% in overall), showing no statistically significant difference. On the other hand, 44% of the patients (n = 56) were toilet-trained at time of surgery. Although the mean age (79 months vs. 10.4 months) and the catheter removal time (64.3% vs. 87.5% before 24 h) of this group were significantly longer than the patients in diaper (P < 0.05), no significant difference was determined in terms of complication (14.2% vs. 9.7%). TIP repair with short-term catheterization has similar outcomes to the patients who conventionally carry their stent 7-14 days. The meatal position and the toileting status of the patients are not important in the use and length of catheterization.

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.