Tubularized Incised Plate for Mid Shaft and Proximal Hypospadias Repair

Anterior and Mid-Penile Hypospadias Repair with TIP Technique-Is It Possible with 20-Hour Catheterization?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Several surgical procedures have been proposed for the treatment of hypospadias, a common and heterogeneous congenital abnormality in males. Most surgeons utilize either a urethral stent or bladder catheter for 2-14 days as a postoperative urine diversion method depending on the severity of each case and the surgeon's preferences. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of anterior and mid-penile hypospadias repair while placing the urethral catheter for only 20 h.

METHODS

A single-centre retrospective study was conducted, including all patients who underwent anterior or penile hypospadias repair from January 2012 to January 2023. All operations were performed based on the Tubularized Incised Plate (TIP) Urethroplasty. At the end of the operation, a 6 Fr 100% silicon catheter was stabilized. The catheter was removed 20 h postoperatively, and all patients were discharged on the first postoperative day. The primary endpoint of the study was the complication rate.

RESULTS

In total, 104 patients were enrolled. Eighty (76.9%) patients presented with distal penile hypospadias, while 24 patients (23.1%) had mid-penile hypospadias. The mean age at the operation was 20.8 ± 12.4 months, while the mean operative time was 114.2 ± 28.7 min. All the operations were successfully completed. During the follow-up period (mean duration 101.1 ± 44.8 months), complications were recorded in 16.3% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of 20-h catheterization seems to be an effective alternative with outcomes comparable to other conventional drainage approaches, as it reduces the discomfort of the patients without increased risk of complications.

Risk factors for postoperative complications following one-stage proximal hypospadias repair involving the disconnection of the urethral plate: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Children with hypospadias are at risk of serious physical and mental health problems, including abnormal urination, sexual dysfunction, and infertility. The sole available treatment is the surgical restoration of genital appearance and function. Proximal hypospadias (PH) correction is more challenging and carries a higher risk of complications than does distal hypospadias correction, with a higher likelihood of postoperative complications requiring additional surgery, resulting in considerable economic and psychological strain for families. Herein, we aimed to identify factors associated with complications following one-stage PH repair with urethral plate disconnection.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 236 children who underwent PH repair at our center between December 2020 and December 2022. We collected information on age, surgical procedure, length of the reconstructed urethra (LRU), glans width (GW), ventral curvature, surgical approach, preoperative androgen use, suture type, presence of prostatic utricle, body mass index, season of surgery, anesthesia type, low birth weight, preterm birth, follow-up period, and complications. Surgical complications included urethral fistulas, urethral diverticula, anastomotic strictures, urethral strictures, glans dehiscence, and penile curvature recurrences. The study population was divided into complication and no-complication groups, and univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Of the 236 patients with PH who had a median follow-up of 10.0 (8.0, 14.0) months, 79 were included (33.5%) in the complication group and 157 were included (66.5%) in the no-complication group. In the univariate analysis, age (P < 0.001), LRU (P < 0.001), degree of penile curvature (P = 0.049), and PH with prostatic utricle (P = 0.014) were significantly associated with complications after PH repair. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, LRU (P<0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 3.396, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.229-5.174) and GW (P = 0.004, OR = 0.755, 95%CI: 0.625-0.912) were independent factors influencing postoperative complications. The optimal LRU threshold was 4.45 cm (area under the curve, 0.833; sensitivity, 0.873; specificity, 0.873; P<0.001, OR = 3.396, 95% CI: 2.229-5.174).

CONCLUSIONS

LRU and GW are independent factors affecting PH complications. An LRU of < 4.45 cm and an increased GW can reduce the risk of complications.

Identifying variability in surgical practices and instrumentation for hypospadias repair across the Western Pediatric Urology Consortium (WPUC) network

BACKGROUND

Although hypospadias outcomes studies typically report a level or type of repair performed, these studies often lack applicability to each surgical practice due to technical variability that is not fully delineated. An example is the tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty procedure, for which modifications have been associated with significantly decreased complication rates in single center series. However, many studies fail to report specificity in techniques utilized, thereby limiting comparison between series.

OBJECTIVE

With the goal of developing a surgical atlas of hypospadias repair techniques, this study examined 1) current techniques used by surgeons in our network for recording operative notes and 2) operative technical details by surgeon for two common procedures, tubularized incised plate (TIP) distal and proximal hypospadias repairs across a multi-institutional surgical network.

STUDY DESIGN

A two-part study was completed. First, a survey was distributed to the network to assess surgeon volume and methods of recording hypospadias repair operative notes. Subsequently, an operative template or a representative de-identified operative note describing a TIP and/or proximal repair with urethroplasty was obtained from participating surgeons. Each was analyzed by at least two individuals for natural language that signified specified portions of the procedure. Procedural details from each note were tabulated and confirmed with each surgeon, clarifying that the recorded findings reflected their current practice techniques and instrumentation.

RESULTS

Twenty-five surgeons from 12 institutions completed the survey. The number of primary distal hypospadias repairs performed per surgeon in the past year ranged from 1-10 to >50, with 40% performing 1-20. Primary proximal hypospadias repairs performed in the past year ranged from 1-30, with 60% performing 1-10. 96% of surgeons maintain operative notes within an electronic health record. Of these, 66.7% edited a template as their primary method of note entry; 76.5% of these surgeons reported that the template captures their operative techniques very or moderately well. Operative notes or templates from 16 surgeons at 10 institutions were analyzed. In 7 proximal and 14 distal repairs, parameters for chordee correction, urethroplasty suture selection and technique, tissue utilized, and catheter selection varied widely across surgeons.

CONCLUSION

Wide variability in technical surgical details of categorically similar hypospadias repairs was demonstrated across a large surgical network. Surgeon-specific modifications of commonly described procedures are common, and further evaluation of short- and long-term outcomes accounting for these technical variations is needed to determine their relative influence.

Outcome of spongioplasty alone as second layer of tubularised incised plate urethroplasty in patients with hypospadias

Background

Spongioplasty alone or in combination with local tissue flaps can be used as a second layer for the prevention of complications of tubularised incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) of hypospadias repair. It can be used when wide urethral plate and well-developed robust spongiosum are present. This study aims to review the success rate and complications of TIPU performed utilising spongioplasty alone as a second layer in Type 3 well-developed robust spongiosum.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study conducted between January 2015 and December 2019 at a tertiary care centre. A total of 21 patients aged 4–15.4 years with primary hypospadias having a Type 3 well-developed robust spongiosum, Glans score ≤ 2, Meatal score ≤ 4, and Shaft score ≤ 3 underwent TIPU using spongioplasty alone as a second layer. The hospital stay ranged from 10 to 14 days and follow-up from 12 to 36 months.

Results

Hypospadias was distal in 12 (57.1%), mid in 5 (23.8%), and proximal penile in 4 (19.1%) patients. The mean Glans Meatus Shaft score was 6.1 (G = 1.25, M = 2.95, S = 1.9) with a range of 3–9. An early post-operative complication of preputial oedema and bladder spasm developed in 1 (4.7%) patient each. Meatal stenosis developed in 1 (4.7%) patient. None developed urethrocutaneous fistula. At 3 months all patients had good urinary flow (> 15 ml/s) and good cosmesis. All the patients/parents (in case of minors) were satisfied with the result.

Conclusion

Spongioplasty alone as the second layer after TIPU for primary penile hypospadias in patients with well-developed robust spongiosal tissue is associated with minimal, easily manageable complications.

Outcomes of Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty (TIPU) for Hypospadias at Tikur Anbesa Specialized and Menelik II referral Hospitals: One-year Prospective study"

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the results and related factors of tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty at two institutions.

METHODES

This was a prospective cohort analytical study conducted over a period of 12 months. All patients who underwent TIP urethroplasty in the specified period were studied. Quantitative and qualitative data of the intrinsic parameters of the penis were obtained and patients were followed up for an average period of 14.72±3.67 months (range 9-21months) after surgery.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-nine patients (N = 129) were included in the study. The mean age at surgery was 50.93 months. The mean glans size and pre-incised urethral plate width were 14.34 mm and 8.38mm respectively. The post-operative results were satisfactory with the meatus in a glanular position in 122(94.6%) patients. Overall, 49 patients (38%) developed complications. Eighteen patients (14%) developed early complications whereas forty-two (32.6%) patients had late complications. UCF and Meatal stenosis occurred in 27 (20.9%) & 14 (10.9%) patients respectively. Seven patients developed recurrent hypospadias and dehiscence of glans occurred in eight patients (6.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

TIP can be used to repair for all types of hypospadias in the absence of severe penile curvature. It has more complications rate in proximal than distal hypospadias. Distal hypospadias was the most common type of hypospadias corrected with TIP. UCF and meatal stenosis were the most common complication followed by glans dehiscence and recurrent hypospadias. Glans size, age at surgery, plate width, location of meatus and stretched penile length were the most determinant factors for the outcome.

A Comparative Study on the Outcomes of Hypospadias Surgery Following Early Versus Late Bladder Catheter Removal

Background

Hypospadias is the most common penile malformation affecting up to one in 300 live male births. In general, a urinary diversion (urethral stent or bladder catheter) is maintained in situ for two to seven days or more after hypospadias repair. Because of the low level of evidence, the latest guidelines of the European Association of Urology and the European Society of Paediatric Urology provide no recommendations concerning the timing of catheter removal after hypospadias surgery. In this study, we aimed to compare the outcomes of hypospadias surgery (tubularized incised plate urethroplasty, TIPU) following early versus late bladder catheter removal.

Methodology

In total, 62 patients were included in this study. All patients underwent TIPU by the same team of surgeons. All patients were divided into the following two groups: group A (32 patients) had their catheter removed on or before the fifth postoperative day, and group B (30 patients) had their catheter removed after the fifth postoperative day. All patients were scheduled for an outpatient assessment after two weeks, at one month, after three months, and at six months if necessary.

Results

The mean age of patients in group A was five years (three to seven years) and in group B was five years (four to 7.25 years) with a p-value of 0.378. Among the early complications of the surgery, the occurrence of wound infections, urinary tract infections, and urinary retention was comparable among the two groups. The rate of bladder spasms (0% versus 13.3%, p = 0.033) was significantly higher in group B than in group A. The rate of urinary retention (12.5% versus 0%, p = 0.045) was significantly higher in group A than in group B. Superficial wound infection occurred in two out of 32 patients in group A (6.3%) and two out of 30 patients in group B (6.7%) (p = 0.94). Both groups had similar incidences of wound complications. Urinary tract infections also had a similar incidence in both early and late catheter removal groups, i.e., one out of 32 patients in group A (3.1%) and three out of 30 patients (10%) in group B (p = 0.271). Urinary extravasation following hypospadias repair occurred in two out of 32 patients (6.3%). No extravasation was noted in the late catheter removal group. However, the difference was not clinically significant (p = 0.164). Two patients in both groups developed urethrocutaneous fistula (6.3% in group A versus 6.7% in group B). However, the difference was not clinically significant. Meatal stenosis developed in three out of 32 patients in group A and two out of 30 patients in group B (9.4% versus 6.7%; p = 0.696). One patient in the early catheter removal group developed urethral stricture as a late complication. None of the patients in the late catheter removal group developed this complication.

Conclusions

The occurrence of long-term complications of TIP hypospadias repair was not affected by the early removal of the bladder catheter. The shortcomings of our study were its descriptive nature and the small sample size. Further prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to ascertain the safety of early catheter removal and improvement in quality of life in the immediate postoperative period.

A new modified Duckett urethroplasty for repair of proximal hypospadias with severe chordee: outcomes of 133 patients

Background

Despite the continuous development and evolution of surgical methods and techniques, proximal hypospadias remains one of the most challenging issues for pediatric urologists. This study aims to evaluate the indications and postoperative complications of our new modified Duckett urethroplasty.

Methods

A total of 133 patients with proximal hypospadias who underwent repair of the modified Duckett urethroplasty from February 2016 to February 2021 were reviewed. The median age of patients was 3 years (range 1–16). All patients had severe chordee. One senior experienced pediatric urologist performed all the surgeries. Catheter was removed 14 days after the surgery.

Results

The location of the urethral meatus was proximal penile in 26 patients (19.5%), penoscrotal in 60 (45.1%), scrotal in 31 (23.3%), and perineal in 16 (12.0%). The mean length of the urethral defect was 4.5 cm (range 2.5–10). The median duration of follow-up was 46 months (range 8–67). Complications occurred in 31 patients (23.3%), including urethra-cutaneous fistula in 22 (16.5%), urethral stenosis in 7 (5.3%), and urethral diverticulum in 2 (1.5%). No recurrent chordee were found in all cases. All patients who developed complications were treated successfully at our hospital.

Conclusions

Our modified Duckett urethroplasty showed functionally and cosmetically favorable outcomes, with a lower incidence of postoperative complications. To the best of our knowledge, the novel Duckett technique is a feasible and suitable option for patients who suffer from proximal hypospadias with severe chordee and dysplasia of the urethral plate.

Neomodified Koyanagi technique for severe hypospadias with one-stage sealed Y-shaped penis foreskin vascular protection surgery

Proximal hypospadias defects represent the most challenging aspect of maintaining blood supply to the flap, which eventually leads to a high rate of complications. We modified a sealed Y-shaped penis foreskin vascular protection technique, which can repair the urethra in a single stage. The inner plate of the foreskin was cut along the coronal sulcus, and both sides of the urethral plate were cut as deep as Buck's fascia. The "Y"-shaped foreskin flaps on both sides of the mouth that are continuous with the urethral plate were sutured to form a new urethral skin tube. The urethral skin tube was turned to the ventral side, and the foreskin was reshaped and sutured. A total of 89 children had their urinary catheters removed 4 weeks after the operation. All children were evaluated at least once a year for 3 consecutive years. There were 11 patients with urine leakage that occurred after the operation. These children, diagnosed with urine leakage, underwent successful repair after the leakage occurred. There were no urethral strictures after the operation. The one-time success rate of this operation was 87.6% (78/89), and the incidence of urethral fistula was 12.6% (11/89). The results showed that sealed Y-shaped penis foreskin vascular protection surgery was safer and had a higher operation rate than the traditional hypospadias repair technique. Modifying Koyanagi repair by our improved Koyanagi hypospadias repair is an excellent technique with relatively low complication rates.

Modified snodgrass hypospadias repair using the lembert suturing technique

BACKGROUND

Surgical repair of hypospadias deformity is a challenging and complex issue. However, the technique of Snodgrass and its modifications attend promising functional and cosmetic results.

PURPOSE

To assess the Lembert suturing technique effectiveness as a modification of the Snodgrass technique in lowering an urethrocutanous fistula rate.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty boys with mid-shaft and distal hypospadias were repaired using the modified Snodgrass technique utilizing the interrupted Lembert suturing technique in neourethroplasty. Patients with previous failed operations or severe chordee were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

None of the patients develops UCF apart from one who developed complete wound dehiscence following severe wound infection. Mild meatal stenosis is seen in two patients, and one patient experienced a small area of superficial skin sloughing.

Comparison of Dartos flap and spongioplasty in Snodgrass urethroplasty in distal penile hypospadias

Background

Hypospadias surgery has been continuously evolving, although there is no single technique which can be said to be perfect and suitable for all types of hypospadias. Tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty (Snodgrass procedure) is presently the most common surgical procedure performed for distal penile hypospadias (DPH). The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of TIP urethroplasty using Dartos flap (DF) and spongioplasty as second layer in DPH.

Methods

A total of 30 patients of DPH were repaired using TIP urethroplasty with DF or spongioplasty as second layer from January 2017 to June 2018. Out of 30 patients, TIP with DF was done in 15 patients (group A) and TIP with spongioplasty was done in the remaining 15 patients (group B). Preoperative mean age and weight were comparable in both groups. Postoperative complications, namely, postoperative edema, residual chordee, urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF), meatal stenosis and final cosmesis, were recorded.

Results

In both groups, complications included postoperative edema (Gp A-1Gp B-1), residual chordee (Gp A-1, Gp B-1), UCF (Gp A-3, Gp B-4), meatal stenosis (Gp A-1, Gp B-5) and poor cosmesis (Gp A-3, Gp B-4). Wound infection was managed with appropriate antibiotics, and meatal stenosis responded to calibration in five patients.Although it seems that DF has a better outcome clinically, the difference between the two techniques was statistically not significant.

Conclusion

DF as an additional cover to TIP is associated with an acceptable complication and has good cosmesis compared with spongioplasty; however, the difference is not statistically significant.

Recurrent ventral curvature after proximal TIP hypospadias repair

EXTENDED SUMMARY

Most boys with proximal hypospadias have ventral curvature (VC) which must be straightened while preserving the urethral plate to use TIP repair. That is usually done by dorsal plication (DP). However, we reported recurrent VC was commonly found after DP in boys with proximal urethroplasty complications, and have diagnosed VC in patients similarly straightened by WS. We reviewed our proximal TIP patients and now report their recurrent VC.

METHODS

We used a prospectively-maintained database to identify all patients with proximal TIP by WS and document recurrent VC. Penile straightening was primarily done by midline DP using 5-0 or 6-0 polypropylene, and/or other maneuvers including combinations of urethral plate elevation off the corpora, mobilization of the urethra to the external sphincter, and ventral corporotomies. Recurrent VC was suspected by a characteristic 'hunched-over' appearance and resistance to lifting the glans cephalad (Figure), and confirmed in all cases by artificial erection intraoperatively.

RESULTS

58 of the 77 patients with follow up had VC straightened. Recurrent VC was diagnosed in 26%. It was suspected during this review in another 10% who had recurrent urethroplasty complications which we now know often indicate VC, or urethral plate elevation with no treatment for corporal disproportion. This recurrent VC was objectively measured in nearly half those diagnosed, averaging 52 (30-75). It was diagnosed before puberty in all cases. There was no difference in recurrent VC in those managed with DP alone versus those straightened by DP and/or other maneuvers.

DISCUSSION

The finding that 1 of every 4 patients had recurrent VC after proximal TIP, and that as many as 1 of every 3 might have had that complication, is concerning. During most the study the extent of VC was visually estimated, and most patients were thought to have <45° with no tension on the UP after straightening. We reported 70% of patients operated elsewhere for proximal hypospadias and presenting with urethroplasty complications had recurrent VC ≥ 30° following earlier DP. In that series, in the current patients, and in an earlier report by Braga et al., an intact urethral plate correlated with increased risk for recurrent VC. Despite our improved ability to diagnose recurrent VC, we have not found it in boys who underwent STAG repair with urethral plate transection.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent VC after proximal TIP repair occurred in at least 1 of every 4 patients despite DP and/or additional maneuvers to straighten the penis while preserving the urethral plate. Accordingly, we now only perform proximal TIP when there is little (<30°) or no VC.

Comparison of meatal-based flap (Mathieu) and tubularized incised-plate (TIP) urethroplasties for primary distal hypospadias: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

We conducted this meta-analysis to compare postoperative outcomes between meatal-based flap (Mathieu) and tubularized incised plate (TIP) techniques for distal hypospadias.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of PUBMED, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was conducted. Outcomes evaluated in this review were fistula, meatal stenosis, wound dehiscence and flap necrosis. We calculated odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidential interval (CI) to compare postoperative outcomes between Mathieu and TIP after data extraction and literature identification. All data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.2. In order to find potential affective factors, meta-regression and subgroup analyses were applied.

RESULTS

16 studies, 1386 patients, including 762 patients receiving Mathieu and 624 individuals subjected to TIP met the inclusion criteria. The synthetic data suggested that Mathieu and TIP were comparable in terms of fistula (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.65 to 1.33; P = 0.70, I² = 14%), wound dehiscence (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.33 to 2.39; P = 0.81, I² = 11%), and flap necrosis (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 0.51 to 7.09; P = 0.20, I² = 38%) without significant heterogeneity for each comparison group. Pooled estimates showed a significantly lower rate of meatal stenosis with Mathieu than with TIP (OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.73; P = 0.002, I² = 4%). Subgroup analyses showed that the difference between Mathieu and TIP was more obvious in the studies published before 2013 in meatal stenosis. The modified Mathieu technique and a running suture for urethroplasty might be relevant to a lower rate of meatal stenosis in the data, although no statistical significance in the present effects model overall was found. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the results were stable. There was no publication bias detected using both funnel plot and Egger's test.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggested that Mathieu and TIP technique were equivalent for primary distal hypospadias in terms of fistula, wound dehiscence, and flap necrosis. Pooled estimates indicated that there was a lower rate of meatal stenosis with Mathieu rather than with TIP significantly. The modified Mathieu technique and a running suture for urethroplasty might be relevant to a lower rate of meatal stenosis.

TYPE OF STUDY

Meta-analysis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

The histopathological effect of tissue adhesive on urethra wound healing process: An experimental animal study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to determine the histopathological effect of Tisseel tissue adhesive on the urethral wound healing process after urethroplasty in a rat model.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 24 animals were randomly allocated into three groups: Group 1; control group (n = 6); Group 2; suture-closure group (n = 9); and Group 3; suture + adhesive group (n = 9). In group 2, an incision 4 mm long was made on the ventral skin of the penis along the midline from the glans penis, to open the dartos muscle, corpus spongiosum, and urethra. Next, initially, the urethra alone, and then the layers up to the skin were covered in layers with 8/0 vicryl interrupted sutures. Group 3 underwent the same procedures as group 2, but after the urethra was repaired 0.1 cc of Tisseel tissue adhesive was applied over the urethra. Penile tissue samples were obtained 21 days later, and tissue samples were sent for histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

Urethral epithelial thickness and connective tissue thickness in group 3 were higher than in group 1 and group 2. Fibrosis in group 3 was higher than in group 2. The difference in inflammation between group 3 and group 2 was not significant. There was no significant difference in microvessel density between group 2 and group 3.

DISCUSSION

Both increased fibrosis and connective tissue thickness were noted in group 3 compared to group 2 and group 1. These increases may have been caused by the hemostatic effect of the Tisseel adhesive and its triggering of fibroblast growth factors. The epithelial thickness increased significantly in group 3 and group 2 compared to group 1. This increase in tissue thickness without an increased number of epithelial cells can be explained by the development of oedema.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that while Tisseel tissue adhesive increases connective tissue thickness and fibrosis, it does not demonstrate a prolonged inflammation or increased neovascularization in the urethral wound at 3 weeks after surgery. The data obtained in our study does not support the use of Tisseel in urethroplasty surgery. The results obtained in this study demonstrate a significantly higher formation of fibrosis (scar tissue), which underlines the importance of new studies to identify new treatments for urethral wound healing after urethra trauma or surgery.

Evaluation of surgical procedures of mouse urethra by visualization and the formation of fistula

Visualization of the surgically operated tissues is vital to improve surgical model animals including mouse. Urological surgeries for urethra include series of fine manipulations to treat the increasing number of birth defects such as hypospadias. Hence visualization of the urethral status is vital. Inappropriate urethral surgical procedure often leads to the incomplete wound healing and subsequent formation of urethro-cutaneous fistula or urethral stricture. Application of indocyanine green mediated visualization of the urethra was first performed in the current study. Indocyanine green revealed the bladder but not the urethral status in mouse. Antegrade injection of contrast agent into the bladder enabled to detect the urethral status in vivo. The visualization of the leakage of contrast agent from the operated region was shown as the state of urethral fistula in the current hypospadias mouse model and urethral stricture was also revealed. A second trial for contrast agent was performed after the initial operation and a tendency of accelerated urethral stricture was observed. Thus, assessment of post-surgical conditions of urogenital tissues can be improved by the current analyses on the urethral status.

The feasibility of urethral plate preservation in proximal and mid-penile hypospadias: sequential and anatomical approach to the repair

Background

The assessment of a child having hypospadias with chordee/ventral curvature (VC) and meatal position that appears to be proximal/mid-penile can be challenging with regard to the choice of chordee correction and type of urethroplasty. The feasibility of preservation of native urethral plate is dependent on these choices. Classically, urethral plate resection of the corpora is performed to correct severe VC, whenever VC is presumed to be due to short urethral plate. But VC is seen to persist in many such cases, in spite of this maneuver that commits the patient to a more complex reconstruction. The aim of the study was to analyze the variation in preoperative and intraoperative assessment of proximal and mid-penile hypospadias, with respect to severity and possible surgical options, in patients treated by a standard protocol of sequential and anatomical approach to repair. The other objective was to ascertain if “extensive ventral urethral detethering” (in all cases) and “urethral plate augmentation” (in select cases) could facilitate more anatomical repair in these cases, with urethral plate preservation and utilization for repair wherever feasible.

Results

Fifty-two children who underwent the specific protocol of repair during the 5-year period from January 2014 to December 2018 at a tertiary teaching institution were included in the study. The essential principles adopted for the surgery were as follows: (i) urethral plate preservation in all possible situations; (ii) “extensive ventral urethral detethering” up to the bulb, as a preliminary step, (iii) sequential correction of VC with urethral plate augmentation (in select cases); and (iv) selecting the optimal repair based on the following principles: (a) urethral plate tubularization, (b) urethral plate augmentation, and (c) urethral plate substitution. There was considerable difference in the preoperative and intraoperative assessment of meatal position, with 12 of the apparently mid-penile hypospadias being reclassified as distal penile after preliminary dissection. Three of the penoscrotal variants were regrouped as proximal penile and 6 of the proximal penile were regrouped as mid-penile type. Majority of cases which were deemed to require complex reconstruction on preoperative assessment could be treated by a single-stage procedure.

Conclusion

The meatal position is seen to shift distally in select cases of proximal or mid-penile hypospadias after thorough degloving, dartos release, and detethering of Buck’s fascia over ventral urethra. Urethral plate can be preserved for utilization in repair in many of these cases by augmenting the urethral plate, enabling a more anatomical neourethral reconstruction. Resection of urethral plate can be thus restricted to the most severe cases of VC.

Dorsal vertical island flap urethroplasty in children with hypospadias: a single center’s experience 75 patients

Objective

To assess the results and complications of dorsal vertical island flap (DVIF) urethroplasty.

Methods

A total of 175 children were operated on for hypospadias. Out of these, 41 with proximal hypospadias with severe chordee required two-stage urethroplasty. In 18 babies with glanular hypospadias, a meatal advancement and glanuloplasty procedure was done. In 25 babies with mid-penile and distal penile hypospadias, tubularized incised urethral plate (TIP) urethroplasty was the option. 16 babies with unhealthy urethral plate and chordee were chosen for dorsal vertical tube urethroplasty after excision of the urethral plate. The rest of the 75 babies with proximal, mid-penile or distal penile hypospadias with no or minimal chordee after degloving and poor urethral plate were chosen for DVIF urethroplasty. These 75 babies with DVIF were followed up from 3 months to 5 years to assess complications such as urethrocutaneous fistula, meatal stenosis, glans dehiscence, megalourethra or urethral diverticulum, stricture, and penile torsion/rotation.

Results

A total of 75 patients with proximal, mid-penile, or distal penile hypospadias in whom DVIF was used during the study period were included. The mean age was 3.7 years, ranging from 8 months to 14 years. Fourteen patients developed complications (18.6%). The most common complication was urethrocutaneous fistula, which was seen in seven (9.3%) patients. Glans dehiscence was seen in five patients (6.6%), and one had meatal stenosis with diverticulum formation. Skin necrosis was observed in one patient. In 61 patients, stream was good, with no torsion, and good cosmetic appearance was observed.

Conclusions

DVIF is a good alternative to TIP in mid-penile and distal penile hypospadias. Our early experience with DVIF urethroplasty showed an acceptable rate of complications and good cosmetic results.

Width proportion of the urethral plate to the glans can serve as an appraisal index of the urethral plate in hypospadias repair

OBJECTIVES

To find a new appropriate evaluation for urethral plate quality in hypospadias repair, with particular interest in the width proportion of the urethral plate to the glans, serving as an appraisal index.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected from prepubertal boys who underwent primary tubularized incised plate hypospadias repair between January 2014 and April 2016 in one center. Intrinsic parameters of the penis (meatal location, glans width, urethral plate width and curvature degree) were measured during the operation. Urethroplasty complications were recorded during follow up. The correlation between width proportion of the urethral plate to the glans and urethroplasty complications was analyzed.

RESULTS

Primary tubularized incised plate repair was carried out in 442 patients (mean age 2.8 years, range 0.5-12 years). At mean follow up of 26 months (range 12-38 months), urethroplasty complications occurred in 59 (13.3%) patients. The width proportion of the urethral plate to the glans was weakly correlated to both the glans width and meatal location. The width proportion of the urethral plate to the glans ranged from 0.18 to 0.73, with a mean of 0.39. The cut-off value of width proportion of the urethral plate to the glans was determined to be 0.36 by the receiver operating characteristic curve. Urethroplasty complications occurred in 17 out of 254 patients (6.7%) with width proportion of the urethral plate to the glans >0.36, and 42 out of 188 patients (22.3%) with width proportion of the urethral plate to the glans ≤0.36. The width proportion of the urethral plate to the glans ≤0.36 showed an increased odds of 4.819-fold (95% confidence interval 2.548-9.112, P < 0.001) risk of urethroplasty complications compared with width proportion of the urethral plate to the glans >0.36. Midshaft and proximal meatal location also increased the risk of urethroplasty complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study highlights the value of the width proportion of the urethral plate to the glans for objectivity and accuracy in urethral plate evaluation, which in turn serves as an independent factor influencing outcomes in tubularized incised plate repair.

Posterior hypospadias: Evaluation of a paradigm shift from single to staged repair

INTRODUCTION

Repair of posterior hypospadias is a current dilemma. Single versus staged repair is the main question to answer. The answer is not easily reached due to lack of comparative studies. Hence such studies are not available, the reports of a change from one approach to the other one are important to point out the results of each procedure in the same hands and in the same center. Herein, we report our results of the repair of posterior hypospadias shifting from single stage to staged repair.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

65 children were operated in a single Centre in the period from 2011-2016 using single stage repair by dorsal island flap in the first 40 children and then a shift to staged repair involved 25 children repaired using Bracka procedure, children are evaluated for the outcome and for the development of complications during the period of follow up.

RESULTS

The mean age of children operated using single stage technique was 2.8 years (0.83-12.0), Onlay repair was performed in 29 cases (72.5%), while a tube was performed in 11 cases (27.5%). The success rate was 55% with 45% complication rate, in the form of infection in (2.5%), partial dehiscence in (10%), urethrocutaneous fistula in (15%), meatal stenosis in (12.5%), urethral diverticulum in (5%). 25 children were operated using staged repair according to Bracka using inner preputial graft in fresh cases and buccal graft in redo cases. Mean age of 4.5 years (7 months-18 years), 15 primary cases and 10 redo cases, 12 penoscrotal, 11 scrotal and 2 perineal cases, preputial graft in 17, buccal graft in 8, 25 children completed their second stage, tunica vaginalis cover was used in 23 children, localized penile skin dartos was used in 2 children, the overall success after second stage was 80%, complications were in the form of 4 fistulas (16%), hematoma and complete disruption in a redo case (4%). There is a significant statistical difference in the incidence of complications between both groups in favor of lower complication rate (20%) in the staged group versus the single stage group (45%) with a P = 0.0419.

CONCLUSION

Staged repair considerably improves complication rate of posterior hypospadias reconstruction compared to single stage repair using pedicled island flap. More follow up and continuous reporting of honest complication rate is needed to improve the outcome of a complex pathology and to help the choice of the best procedure.

Modified tubularized incised plate urethroplasty reduces the risk of fistula and meatal stenosis for proximal hypospadias: a report of 63 cases

PURPOSE

To report the feasibility of modified tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty technique for proximal hypospadias in 63 cases.

METHODS

From January 2004 to March 2010, 63 patients underwent one-stage TIP urethroplasty (modified Snodgrass technique repair) using 2-3 of three covering layers (corpus spongiosum, dartos, and tunica vaginalis). The primary meatus was proximal penile, penoscrotal, scrotal, and perineal in 38, 13, 10, and 2 patients, respectively. All patients had chordee that was corrected with dorsal plication. Glanuloplasty was performed in all cases. Complications and cosmetic results were documented after 6-72 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 63 boys with proximal hypospadias underwent Snodgrass hypospadias repair at a mean age of 8.5 months (range 6-54). Mean operative time was 210 ± 35 min. Patients were followed up with 6-month intervals for up to 6 years postoperatively. After 6 years of follow-up, nine urethrocutaneous fistulae, four bleeding, four meatal stenoses, and one urethral stricture were reported. Cosmetic result was satisfactory according to parent's opinion and another surgeon. No residual chordee was observed in any cases (without artificial correction).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this preliminary report can be estimated as an alternative technique with acceptable complication and cosmetic results for proximal hypospadias correction.

Choosing an ideal vascular cover for Snodgrass repair

AIM

The aim of this study is to compare tunica vaginalis (TV), dorsal dartos, and ventral dartos flap as a second layer vascular cover during Snodgrass repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data of 83 patients who underwent primary hypospadias repair with Snodgrass technique (age range: 1.6-12 years) were retrospectively collected and compared. They were divided into three groups. Group A (26 patients) included cases using TV flap, Group B (36 patients) included those where dorsal dartos from prepuce was used as second cover, and Group C (21 patients) included those with ventral dartos as cover.

RESULTS

In Group A, no complications recorded. Mild scrotal edema was present in 5 patients which was conservatively managed. In Group B, there were 8 fistulas, 2 glans breakdown, and 1 meatal stenosis. In Group C, there were 3 fistulas and 1 glans breakdown.

CONCLUSION

TV flap is better than dorsal dartos and ventral dartos as vascular cover for primary hypospadias repair with Snodgrass technique.

Assessing quality of life of patients with hypospadias: A systematic review of validated patient-reported outcome instruments

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcomes have the potential to provide invaluable information for evaluation of hypospadias patients, aid in decision-making, performance assessment, and improvement in quality of care. To appropriately measure patient-relevant outcomes, well-developed and validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments are essential.

OBJECTIVE

To identify and evaluate existing PRO instruments designed to measure quality of life and/or satisfaction of individuals with hypospadias that have been developed and validated in a hypospadias population.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Health and Psychosocial Instruments was conducted in April 2016. Two reviewers independently assessed studies and identified PRO instruments for inclusion. Data were extracted on study characteristics, instrument development and validation, and content domains.

RESULTS

A total of 32 studies were included that used or described five PRO instruments: Hypospadias Objective Scoring Evaluation (HOSE), Pediatric Penile Perception Score (PPPS), Penile Perception Score (PPS), Genital Perception Scale (GPS) for adults, and GPS for children/adolescents. Instrument development and validation was limited. The majority of identified instruments focused on postoperative cosmetic satisfaction, with only one instrument considering urinary function, and no instruments evaluating sexual function and psychosocial sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

While many hypospadias studies have acknowledged the necessity of a patient-reported element, few have used validated PRO instruments developed in a hypospadias population. Existing instruments to measure patient-reported outcomes in hypospadias require improvement in both the breadth of content and in their development and validation methodology.

Improved outcomes after technical modifications in tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for mid-shaft and proximal hypospadias

PURPOSE

To investigate and compare the outcomes after tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty in mid-shaft and proximal hypospadias using a standard and a modified technique.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study in 104 consecutive children who underwent mid-shaft or proximal TIP repairs from Jan 2007 to Sept 2015. Patients in Cohort One had dorsal dartos (DD) neourethral coverage while patients in Cohort Two had either de-epithelialized split preputial (DESP) or tunica vaginalis (TV) flap coverage. TV flap was used only when DESP flap was not sufficient to cover the neourethra.

RESULTS

There were 52 patients each in Cohort One (DD, n = 52) and Cohort Two (DESP, n = 38; TV, n = 14) with no difference in ratio of mid-shaft/proximal between the two cohorts. At a median follow-up of 28 months, 36 patients (34.6 %) developed 47 complications including fistula (n = 19; 18.3 %) and neourethral dehiscence (n = 4; 3.8 %). Cohort One patients had significantly more fistula (28.8 vs 7.7 %; p = 0.005) and neourethral dehiscence (7.7 vs 0 %; p = 0.04) than Cohort Two. There was no difference between the two cohorts in the complication rates of meatal stenosis, recurrent ventral curvature and neourethral stricture.

CONCLUSIONS

Both DESP and TV flap appear to be superior to DD in preventing fistula and neourethral dehiscence in non-distal TIP repairs.

A novel technique for repair of mid-penile hypospadias using a preputial skin flap: results of 110 patients

BACKGROUND

Several techniques have been used to repair mid-penile hypospadias; however, high failure rates and major complications have been reported. In this study, we describe a novel technique using a well-vascularized flap of the inner and outer preputial skin.

METHODS

A total of 110 male children with hypospadias underwent repair by our technique between 2008 and 2015. The inclusion criteria were children with mid-penile or slightly more proximal hypospadias, with or without ventral chordae, and an intact prepuce of the cobra eyes variety. Recurrent cases, patients with other preputial types, and circumcised children were excluded from this study. The prepared flap was sutured in its natural longitudinal orientation to the created urethral plate strip to form a neo-urethra over a urethral catheter. Outcome measures included surgical success without the formation of a urethra-cutaneous fistula, no ischaemia of the flaps, glans dehiscence or infection and functional outcome and cosmetic appearance.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 3.3 years. There were 63 cases of mid-penile hypospadias (57.3 %), and in 47 cases (42.7 %), the meatus was slightly more proximal. The age of the patients ranged from 1.1 to 8.0 years, with a mean age of 4.6 ± 1.2 years. Surgery was successful in 106 (96.4 %) cases. Minor complications occurred in 11 patients (10 %) and included oedema of glans in ten patients and bluish discoloration on the ventral aspect of the glans close to the suture line in three patients. All patients improved within 2 weeks after surgery. Long-term follow-up revealed a properly functioning urethra with a forward, projectile, single, compact, and rifled urinary stream of adequate calibre and cosmetically acceptable repair. No cases of meatal retraction, meatal stenosis, urethral stricture, or acquired urethral diverticulum occurred.

DISCUSSION

Our technique is different from the split prepuce in situ technique. We create a narrow strip of the urethral plate that facilitates glanular closure, and we use the inner and adjacent outer skin in a vertical manner to preserve excess skin for penile coverage. Prepuce is split at midline to preserve more preputial skin with favourable dartos tissue for penile skin coverage. The glans is closed using a stitch-by-stitch method that has not been described previously.

CONCLUSION

This study presents a novel technique for mid-penile hypospadias repair using a preputial skin flap with excellent results in terms of short- and long-term outcomes.

Long-term functional outcomes after penoscrotal hypospadias repair: A retrospective comparative study of proximal TIP, Onlay, and Duckett

INTRODUCTION

A variety of techniques are available for proximal hypospadias repair. Onlay, proximal tubularized incised plate (TIP), and Duckett are among the popular choices because they can be performed as a one-step procedure. However, the decision to select a procedure often comes down to the surgeon's preference rather than that supported by evidence-based data. In particular, there is a paucity of literature on the long-term urinary outcomes after proximal hypospadias repair.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of long-term uroflowmetry parameters after proximal hypospadias surgery over a long-term follow-up including the adolescent period.

STUDY DESIGN

Files from patients who underwent primary proximal hypospadias repair at our institution between 1997 and 2001 were reviewed. Only patients with documented serial postoperative uroflowmetry profiles at follow-up visits were included. Comparison between surgeries (pTIP vs. Onlay vs. Duckett) was performed according to the following postoperative time interval endpoints: 0-1 years, 1-2, >2-4, >4-6, >6-10, >10-12, and >12 years. Maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax) in relation to voiding volume (VV) adjusted for age or body surface area (BSA) were also evaluated in comparison to normal children using established Miskolc nomograms and compared between surgery techniques.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients met the inclusion criteria with a median follow-up of 10 years: 25 (59.6%) TIP, 18 (34/6%) Onlay, and nine (17.3%) Duckett. Overall, Qmax increased progressively according to time and age in particular during the period covering adolescence. At follow-up 12 years postoperatively, median Qmax values were 18.5 mL/second, 13.8 mL/second and 16.6 mL/second for TIP, Onlay, and Duckett, respectively, with no significant differenced detected between groups (p = 0.5) see figure). Compared with normal children when adjusted for voiding volume and BSA, the proportion of obstructive uroflowmetry patterns defined as Qmax<25th percentile of nomograms was more prevalent in patients aged 3-7 years old at 83.8% but decreased to less than 21.2% in patients aged >13 years for all procedures (see figure).

DISCUSSION

These results are consistent with previous work showing frequently reduced Qmax after hypospadias surgery with great potential for improvement at puberty.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the obstructive urinary flow pattern observed in patients early on is a frequent finding after proximal hypospadias surgery. However, because of the remarkable improvement observed at puberty a watchful waiting approach is proposed in order to avoid unnecessary intervention.

Surgical Repair of Mid-shaft Hypospadias Using a Transverse Preputial Island Flap and Pedicled Dartos Flap Around Urethral Orifice

OBJECT

To evaluate the effects, particularly the incidence of anastomotic fistula, of a pedicled dartos flap around the urethral orifice in the treatment of urethroplasty of mid-shaft hypospadias.

METHODS

A total of 46 cases of congenital mid-shaft hypospadias were included in this study. The patients ranged in age from 0.7 to 25.4 years and the average was 5.8 years. The patients received penis chordee correction. A transverse preputial island flap was developed for urethral reconstruction. The proximal dartos of the urethral orifice was used to develop a pedicled dartos flap, which was transposed to cover and strengthen neourethral anastomosis. The ventral penile skin defect was repaired by another flap.

RESULTS

The 46 patients were examined during follow-up visits for 6 months to 3 years. An anastomotic fistula was observed in one case (2.2 %). Scar healing without fistula was observed in another patient due to poor blood supply to part of the ventral penile skin. No other incidences of fistula, urethral rupture, flap necrosis, wound infections, urinary tract (meatal) stenosis, or urethral diverticulum were observed in the patients.

CONCLUSION

A pedicled dartos flap around the urethral orifice can take advantage of well-vascularized local tissue to add a protective layer to the proximal aspect of the neourethral anastomosis for reducing the incidence of anastomotic fistula in mid-shaft hypospadias repair using a transverse preputial island flap.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The contemporary role of 1 vs. 2-stage repair for proximal hypospadias

This review discusses the most commonly employed techniques in the repair of proximal hypospadias, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of single versus staged surgical techniques. Hypospadias can have a spectrum of severity with a urethral meatus ranging from the perineum to the glans. Associated abnormalities are commonly found with proximal hypospadias and encompass a large spectrum, including ventral curvature (VC) up to 50 degrees or more, ventral skin deficiency, a flattened glans, penile torsion and penoscrotal transposition. Our contemporary understanding of hypospadiology is comprised of a foundation built by experts who have described a number of techniques and their outcomes, combined with survey data detailing practice patterns. The two largest components of hypospadias repair include repair of VC and urethroplasty. VC greater than 20 degrees is considered clinically relevant to warrant surgical correction. To repair VC, the penis is first degloved-a procedure that may reduce or remove curvature by itself in some cases. Residual curvature is then repaired with dorsal plication techniques, transection of the urethral plate, and/or ventral lengthening techniques. Urethroplasty takes the form of 1- or 2-stage repairs. One-stage options include the tubularized incised urethroplasty (TIP) or various graft or flap-based techniques. Two-stage options also include grafts or flaps, including oral mucosal and preputial skin grafting. One stage repairs are an attractive option in that they may reduce cost, hospital stay, anesthetic risks, and time to the final result. The downside is that these repairs require mastery of multiple techniques may be more complex, and-depending on technique-have higher complication rates. Two-stage repairs are preferred by the majority of surveyed hypospadiologists. The 2-stage repair is versatile and has satisfactory outcomes, but necessitates a second procedure. Given the lack of clear high-quality evidence supporting the superiority of one approach over the others, hypospadiologists should develop their own algorithm, which gives them the best outcomes.

Meta-analysis of complication rates of the tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair

OBJECTIVE

To determine overall complication rates of the tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair and assess the effects of technical modifications, length of follow-up and geographical location of reported results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search was undertaken, using Medline and Pubmed, in order to identify relevant articles. Random effects models were used to estimate pooled complication rates. Meta-regression was performed for each outcome by using mixed effects models with type of hypospadias (primary distal, primary proximal and secondary) as predictors.

RESULTS

Of the 189 articles that were identified, 49 studies (4675 patients) were included in the analysis. Fistula and re-operation rates were significantly higher in secondary repairs (15.5% and 23.3%) compared to primary proximal (10.3% and 12.2%) and primary distal (5.7% and 4.5%) (P = 0.045 and P < 0.001, respectively). Technical modifications reduced fistula rates from 10.3% to 3.3% (P = 0.003) and re-operation rates from 13.6% to 2.8% (P = 0.001). The rate of meatal stenosis was highest in the secondary repairs, with follow-up >1 year (12.7%). Comparison of geographical location showed that complication rates for all but one variable were significantly lower in North America when compared to Europe and the rest of the world. Mean meatal stenosis rates were 1.8% in North America, 3.4% in Europe and 8.2% in the rest of the world (P = 0.002). This remained significant in a multivariable model incorporating repair technique and length of follow-up (P = 0.046). Mean rates of urethral stricture, fistula and re-operation followed a similar pattern (P = 0.045, P = 0.009 and P < 0.001, respectively). Mean follow-up was shortest in the North American group, at 11.9 months, compared to Europe, at 17.8 months, and the rest of the world, at 18.9 months.

DISCUSSION

The present meta-analysis has shown that the lowest complication rates for the TIP repair are when it is applied to primary distal hypospadias. Complication rates are higher for all variables when the TIP repair is used for primary proximal hypospadias. Lower complication rates than those reported in this TIP review have been documented in some studies using a staged repair for correction of primary proximal or secondary hypospadias [11,12,68], implying that a staged approach may be superior to the TIP repair in these settings. Documentation of follow-up duration was limited, making assessment of the impact of length of follow-up difficult. Geographical location had a noticeable effect on outcome, with all but one complication being lower in the North American than the other groups. Mean follow-up was shortest in North America and it is suggested that the short follow-up in the North American studies may have led to under-reporting of late complications.

CONCLUSION

The TIP repair has evolved to incorporate modifications that have significantly lowered complications. Higher complication rates are seen with secondary and proximal repairs; however, limited, published long-term data impair a true assessment of outcome.

Comparison of transverse island flap onlay and tubularized incised-plate urethroplasties for primary proximal hypospadias: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

This meta-analysis was conducted to compare postoperative outcomes between transverse island flap (TVIF) onlay and tubularized incised-plate (TIP) urethroplasties for primary proximal hypospadias.

Materials and Methods

A comprehensive literature search updated to 21^st May 2014 was carried out for relevant studies. After literature identification and data extraction, odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidential interval (CI) was calculated to compare postoperative complication rate between TVIF onlay and TIP. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were applied to find potential affective factors.

Results

A total of 6 studies including 309 patients receiving TVIF onlay and 262 individuals subjected to TIP met inclusion criteria. The synthetic data suggested that TVIF onlay and TIP were comparable in terms of total complication rate (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.56–1.30, p = 0.461), fistula (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.38–1.21, p = 0.194), recurrent curvature (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.43–3.12, p = 0.766), dehiscence (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.33–2.74, p = 0.920), diverticulum (OR 1.90, 95% CI 0.53–6.78, p = 0.321), meatal stenosis (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.20–2.77, p = 0.651) and urethral stricture (OR 1.49, 95% CI 0.41–5.50, p = 0.545), without significant heterogeneity for each comparison group. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses revealed no significant findings. One-way sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were stable. No publication bias was detected using both funnel plot and Egger’s test. Also, there were no obvious differences observed in cosmetic and functional outcomes.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggests that TVIF onlay and TIP urethroplasties are clinically equivalent. Given the inherent limitations of included studies, this conclusion should be interpreted with caution and wait to be confirmed by more well-designed randomized controlled trials with high quality in the future.

Glans meatus proportion in hypospadias versus normal: does marking reference points impact outcome?

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to assess anatomical landmarks with reference to urethral meatus and glans in hypospadias and compare the findings with those of healthy individuals, and to assess whether marking reference points helps in improving outcome.

METHODS

1. Patients who underwent repair for hypospadias had reference points marked. Vertical meatal length, ventral glans closure and glans meatus proportion were derived, and the values compared with those obtained from healthy boys. 2. The outcomes of TIP repair after marking reference points (Group I) were compared with those of a similar group without skin markings (Group II).

RESULTS

1. There was significant difference in the age distribution of hypospadiac patients and healthy individuals, reflected in the meatal length and ventral glans closure. However, there was no significant difference in glans meatus proportion. 2. The fistula rate was 2/35 (5.7%) in group I compared with 5/47 (10.5%) in group II. The meatal stenosis was 2/35 (5.7%) in group I and 4/47 (8.5%) in group II.

CONCLUSION

1. Anatomical landmarks in hypospadias are similar to those found in healthy individuals. 2. Marking reference points prior to incision helps to reduce the rate of meatal stenosis and fistula.

Pseudospongioplasty using periurethral vascularized tissue to support ventral buccal mucosa grafts in the distal urethra

PURPOSE

For ventral buccal mucosa graft onlay during bulbar urethroplasty, spongioplasty with advancement and closure of the corpus spongiosum is ordinarily performed to stabilize the graft. In the pendulous and distal bulbar urethra the spongiosum is often too thin to allow complete graft coverage. We describe the results of what to our knowledge is a novel technique for ventral graft coverage using periurethral vascularized tissue. We compared these results to those of conventional spongioplasty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all urethroplasties performed by 2 surgeons at separate tertiary care facilities from July 2007 to July 2012. One-stage urethroplasties involving ventral buccal mucosa graft placement were selected for analysis. Conventional spongioplasty was performed when possible. When spongiosal tissue was inadequate for graft coverage, periurethral tissue flaps were mobilized bilaterally and sutured together in the midline as pseudospongioplasty to provide coverage. We compared the outcomes of the 2 techniques.

RESULTS

Of 637 urethroplasties performed during the 5-year study period 102 (16%) with a buccal mucosa graft onlay met study inclusion criteria. Pseudospongioplasty was performed in 46 of 102 cases (45%), predominantly in the pendulous urethra (34 of 46 or 74%), with success in 37 of 46 (80%) at a mean followup of 41 months. Conventional spongioplasty had a similar 84% success rate (47 of 56 cases) at a mean followup of 39 months (p = 0.645). For conventional spongioplasty mean stricture length was 4.7 cm compared to 5.8 cm for pseudospongioplasty (p = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

Ventral buccal mucosa grafts can be applied reliably to various locations throughout the anterior urethra. For distal grafts, flaps of periurethral tissue provide a suitable host bed for revascularization with results equivalent to those of conventional spongioplasty.

Hypospadias repair: a single centre experience

Objectives. To determine the demographics and analyze the management and factors influencing the postoperative complications of hypospadias repair. Settings. Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Pakistan, from January 2007 to December 2011. Material and Methods. All male patients presenting with hypospadias irrespective of their ages were included in the study. The data were acquired from the hospital's database and analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results. A total of 428 patients with mean age of 8.12 ± 5.04 SD presented for hypospadias repair. Midpenile hypospadias were the most common. Chordee, meatal abnormalities, cryptorchidism, and inguinal hernias were observed in 74.3%, 9.6%, 2.8%, and 2.1% cases, respectively. Two-stage (Bracka) and TIP (tubularized incised urethral plate) repairs were performed in 76.2% and 20.8% of cases, respectively. The most common complications were edema and urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF). The complications were significantly lower in the hands of specialists than residents (P-value = 0.0086). The two-stage hypospadias repair resulted in higher complications frequency than single-stage repair (P value = 0.0001). Conclusion. Hypospadias surgery has a long learning curve because it requires a great deal of temperament, surgical skill and acquaintance with magnifications. Single-stage repair should be encouraged wherever applicable due to its lower postoperative complications.

Minimal modifications could decrease fistula rate during tubularized incised plate procedure in distal hypospadias repair

AIM

To report outcome of technical modifications to minimize fistula after TIP procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

369 boys presenting with distal hypospadias were divided into two groups. In group 1, 196 underwent the standard TIP procedure. In the 173 patients in group 2, several modifications were incorporated into the TIP repair: 1) the first proximal suture was U-shaped subepithelial, 2) dartos flap was created on ventral aspect of penis to cover the proximal suture, and 3) the midline release incision was done as a first step. Patients were monitored prospectively for fistulae, chordee, meatal position, stenosis, and evaluated postoperatively at regular intervals.

RESULTS

362 patients had a good cosmetic appearance with slit-shaped meatus. Urethrocutaneous fistula was seen in 9 (4.6%) in group 1 and 4 (2.3%) in group 2. Urinary streams were of good quality and without fistula in 187 in group 1 and 169 in group 2. Glans dehiscence was seen in 7 (4 in group 1 and 3 in group 2), meatal stenosis and new urethral stricture in 15 (6 in group 1 and 9 in group 2). Glanular appearance was excellent except in those 7 patients who had glans dehiscence, and the phallus was straight in all.

CONCLUSION

The Snodgrass repair has revolutionized the treatment of hypospadias. These technical modifications combined with careful patient selection achieved a low fistula rate.

Tunica vaginalis flap is superior to inner preputial dartos flap as a waterproofing layer for primary TIP repair in midshaft hypospadias

AIMS

The aims of this study are 1. to compare outcome of standard tubularised incised plate urethroplasty (TIP) repair using dartos flap in distal vs. midshaft hypospadias and 2. to determine whether tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) is superior to dartos flap in midshaft hypospadias in reducing early complications.

METHODS

All patients who underwent TIP repair between 2004 and 2011 by the same surgeon were divided into three groups based on type of hypospadias and choice of waterproofing layer: Group A: Distal hypospadias; inner prepucial dartos flap (n = 36); Group B: Midshaft hypospadias; inner prepucial dartos flap (n = 26); Group C: Midshaft hypospadias; TVF (n = 21). Early outcomes were compared between the groups using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the age distribution or duration of follow up between the groups. There was no significant difference in terms of, glans dehiscence or meatal stenosis between the groups. In Group A, 0/36 had ventral skin necrosis and 3/36 (8.3%) developed urethrocutaneous fistula. In Group B, there was significantly higher ventral skin necrosis (6/26; 23%) and urethrocutaneous fistula (8/26; 30.7%) compared to Group A (p = 0.04). In Group C, there was significantly less ventral skin necrosis (0/21) and urethrocutaneous fistula (1/21; 4.7%) compared to group B (p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in outcomes between Group A and Group C.

CONCLUSION

1. TIP repair using inner prepucial dartos flap has significantly higher complications when used for midshaft hypospadias compared to distal hypospadias. 2. Tunica vaginalis flap reduces the fistula rate and is superior to inner prepucial dartos flap as a waterproofing layer for primary TIP repair in midshaft hypospadias.

Comparative outcomes of the tubularized incised plate and transverse island flap onlay techniques for the repair of proximal hypospadias

PURPOSE

The optimal management of proximal hypospadias remains uncertain. In this study, the surgical outcomes of tubularized incised plate repair (TIP) and transverse island flap (TVIF) onlay urethroplasty in boys with hypospadias were compared.

METHODS

A total of 176 patients with proximal hypospadias underwent TIP (n = 83) or TVIF onlay repairs (n = 93) by a single surgeon and were evaluated retrospectively. No patient received a testosterone injection prior to surgery. A retrospective review of their medical records collected data regarding age at surgery, chordee, dorsal plication, hypospadias site, penoscrotal transposition, bifid scrotum, congenital hernia, undescended testis and any postoperative complications, including fistula, recurrent curvature, dehiscence, diverticulum, meatal stenosis and urethral stricture. The pediatric penile perception score (PPPS) was completed by parents to evaluate their perception of cosmetic outcomes.

RESULTS

There was no statistical difference in age or any of the anatomical and clinical features of hypospadias. The median follow-up duration was 22 months (range 12-48 months) and 25 months (14-51 months) for the TIP and TVIF onlay groups, respectively. The overall complication rate in the TVIF onlay group was 21.5% (20/93), which was higher than 18.1% (15/83) in the TIP group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.569). The most common complication was urethrocutaneous fistula, occurring in 9.6% (8/83) of the TIP group and 10.8% (10/93) of the TVIF onlay group. There were no significant differences in the rate of any complication and the overall PPPS between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

TIP and TVIF onlay are clinically equivalent for the repair of proximal hypospadias.

Single- vs. multi-stage repair of proximal hypospadias: The dilemma continues

INTRODUCTION

The surgical reconstruction of distal penile hypospadias in a single stage is the standard practice for managing anterior hypospadias. Unfortunately, it is not simple to extrapolate the same principle to proximal hypospadias. There is no consensus among hypospadiologists about whether a single- or multi-stage operation is the optimal treatment for proximal hypospadias. In this review, we assess the currently reported outcomes and complications of both techniques in proximal hypospadias repair.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Pubmed, Scopus and Ovid for publications in the last 10 years (2002-2012) for relevant articles, using the terms 'proximal hypospadias', 'posterior hypospadias' 'single stage', 'multiple stage', and 'complications'. Articles retrieved were analysed according to the technique of repair, follow-up, complications, success rate, number of included children, and re-operative rate.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The reported complications in both techniques were similar, including mostly minor complications in the form of fistula, meatal stenosis, partial glans dehiscence, and urethral diverticulum, with their easy surgical repair. The outcomes of single- and multistage repairs of proximal hypospadias are comparable; no technique can be considered better than any other. Thus, it is more judicious for a hypospadiologist to master a few of these procedures to achieve the best results, regardless of the technique used.

Single-stage repair of hypospadias using longitudinal dorsal island flap: Single-surgeon experience with 102 cases

Purpose:

There are many techniques of harvesting vascularized skin flaps from penile skin for hypospadias repairs. Here, we review our experience with the use of longitudinal dorsal island flap (LDIF) for mid- and proximal hypospadias repairs and to assess the results and complications of onlay and tubularized repairs.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the data of all children with hypospadias operated by a single surgeon using the LDIF technique. The severity of hypospadias, technique, complications, and follow-up were assessed.

Results:

Over a 9.4-year period, 102 children (mean age 4.2 years, range 6 months to 11 years) were operated for primary hypospadias using the LDIF technique. All children had poorly formed urethral plates and hence were considered unsuitable for tubularized incised plate repair. The hypospadias was classified as midpenile, proximal penile/penoscrotal or perineal in 29, 64, and 9 children respectively. Onlay LDIF repair was done in 85 children, while in 17 children, tubularized LDIF repair was performed. At a mean follow-up of 1.8 years, complications occurred in 12 (12%) children. Complications were more common after tubularized repairs than onlay repairs (24% vs. 9.5%). All glans dehiscences occurred after onlay repairs, while meatal stenosis and diverticulum occurred after tubularized repairs. No child had urethral stenosis after onlay repair, and uroflow studies in 16 children demonstrated normal curves and flow rates.

Conclusions:

We report the use of LDIF for single-stage mid and proximal hypospadias repair with good success and an acceptable complication rate. Onlay repairs had fewer complications than tubularized repairs. Our results indicate that the specific advantages and versatility of LDIF make it a good option to consider in cases of hypospadias with poorly developed urethral plates where onlay or substitution urethroplasty is indicated.

Effect of human urine on the tensile strength of sutures used for hypospadias surgery

INTRODUCTION

Hypospadias is the most common congenital condition affecting between 1 in 250 and 300 live births. Even in experienced hands, surgery to repair this congenital defect can have a high complication rate. Wound dehiscence is reported to occur in 5% and fistula formation in 6%-40% depending on technique. The choice of suture material has been shown to affect the complication rate although there is (currently) no consensus about the best suture material to use. Ideally, the sutures used for urethroplasty should be absorbable while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength to support the wounds until they are self-supporting and able to resist urinary flow. Previous studies have compared the effects of human urine on different suture materials especially catgut. However, catgut is now banned in Europe. Our study examined the tensile and breaking strength as well as rate of degradation for four types of absorbable suture now commonly used for hypospadias repairs in the UK.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We examined the effect of prolonged storage (up to 27 days) in human urine on 6/0 gauge Vicryl, Vicryl Rapide, Monocryl and polydioxanone (PDS) sutures. These four suture materials are commonly used by the senior plastic consultant surgeon (NK) for hypospadias repairs. 50 mm sections of these suture materials were stored in either urine or saline as control. At specified time points, each suture was placed in a uniaxial load testing machine to assess the stress-strain profile and the mechanical load required to break the suture was measured.

KEY RESULTS

Exposure to urine reduced the tensile and breaking strength of all the suture materials tested. PDS demonstrated the greatest resilience. Vicryl Rapide was the weakest suture and degraded completely by day 6. Vicryl and Monocryl had similar degradation profiles, but Vicryl retained more of its tensile strength for longer.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a balance to be struck between the duration that a suture material must remain in any surgical wound and the risk that it causes foreign body effects. The results of this study suggest that Vicryl has the best characteristics for urethroplasty of the four suture materials tested.

Tubularized incised plate repair for penoscrotal hypospadias: role of surgeon's experience

OBJECTIVE

To give a retrospective analysis of factors affecting outcome of tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair for penoscrotal hypospadias.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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%).

CONCLUSIONS

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.

The influence of perioperative factors on primary severe hypospadias repair

Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital malformations of the male genitalia. Severe cases present with associated curvature greater than 30° and the meatus opening proximally to the penoscrotal junction. The perioperative management of patients with primary severe hypospadias is variable. Systematic evaluation of the upper urinary tract and the search for enlarged prostatic utricles seem unnecessary in patients with isolated primary severe hypospadias, and should be limited to severe cases with associated extraurinary malformations. Detection of a disorder of sex development is key for gender assignment and prognosis, but the identification of cases warranting a full work-up and the influence of such a diagnosis on the success of hypospadias repair is controversial. Preoperative hormonal stimulation allows for penile growth irrespective of the administration route. Associated morbidity is minimal, but its influence on the success of surgery is still unknown. An age of 6-18 months is generally recommended for surgery, but no trial data support this policy. Second-layer coverage of the urethroplasty and postoperative urinary drainage seem to reduce the complications of surgery, whereas postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis and type of dressing have minimal impact on surgical success. Overall, most interventions are based on weak evidence, and their influence on the outcomes of repair is ill-defined. Clinicians should be made aware of the evidence supporting any single intervention in order to standardize their management policies. We hope the issues outlined here will prompt researchers to design new studies to address the clinically relevant questions.

Multicentric experience on double dartos flap protection in tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for distal and midpenile hypospadias

PURPOSE

We report a multicenter experience using double dartos flap to protect the neourethra in TIP urethroplasty for distal and midpenile hypospadias.

METHODS

A total of 394 patients underwent tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for primary distal and midpenile hypospadias using double dartos flap protection by ten pediatric surgeons and urologists at five different institutions.

RESULTS

Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty protected by a double dartos flap was simple to perform and flaps were easy to obtain. Complications occurred in 23 patients (5.83%): fistulas 1.01% (4 cases), stenosis 0.25% (1 case), mild stenosis 2.53% (10 cases), dehiscence of ventral cutis 0.50% (2 cases) and penile torsion 1.26% (5 cases). All fistulae had a spontaneous resolution.

CONCLUSION

Double dartos flap to protect tubularized incised plate urethroplasty is safe with a low complication rate. The neourethra is covered entirely with a double layer of vascularized tissue and the double coverage appears a good choice for preventing urethrocutaneous fistula formation.

General considerations in hypospadias surgery

Nonsystemic review of the literature was done for timing of surgery, preoperative evaluation and plan, anesthesia, suture materials, magnification, tissue handling, stent and diversion problems, intra and postoperative care, dressing, and follow-up protocol. The best time for hypospadias repair is between 6 and 18 months. Preoperative evaluation in proximal hypospadias includes hormonal and radiological examination for intersex disorders, as well as for upper tract anomalies along with routine evaluation. General anesthesia is a rule but local blocks help in reducing the postoperative pain. Magnification, gentle tissue handling, use of microsurgical instruments, and appropriate-sized stent for adequate period help in improving the results. Hormonal stimulation is useful to improve growth and vascularity of urethral plate and decrease the severity of chordee in poorly developed urethral plate with severe curvature. Urethral plate preservation urethroplasty with spongioplasty is the procedure of choice in both proximal and distal hypospadias. Algorithms are proposed for management of hypospadias both with curvature and without curvature. Two-stage urethroplasty has its own indications. A good surgical outcome may be achieved following basic surgical principles of microsurgery, fine suture materials, choosing one or two-stage repair as appropriate, proper age of surgery, and with good postoperative care. Future of hypospadiology is bright with up coming newer modalities like laser shouldering, robotics, and tissue engineering.

Preputial reconstruction and tubularized incised plate urethroplasty in proximal hypospadias with ventral penile curvature

AIMS

Objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and results of preputial reconstruction and tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIP) in patients of proximal hypospadias with ventral penile curvature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven patients of proximal hypospadias who underwent preputioplasty with TIP were evaluated retrospectively. Ventral curvature was corrected by mobilization of the urethral plate with the corpus spongiosum and the proximal urethra; dorsal plication was added according to the severity of curvature. Feasibility of preputial reconstruction was assessed by applying 3 stay sutures-the first to fix the skin at the corona, the second at the junction of the inner and outer preputial skin for pulling up the skin over the glans, and the third stay on penile skin at the level of the corona for retracting the skin. Preputial reconstruction consisted of a standard 3 layered re-approximation of the margins of the dorsal hood.

RESULTS

Age of the patients varied from 10 months to 21 years with an average of 6 years and 4 months. Ventral curvature (mild 10, moderate 13, and severe 4 cases) was corrected by the mobilization of the urethral plate and spongiosum in 14 patients, 11 cases had mobilization of the proximal urethra in addition and 2 patients required single stitch dorsal plication with the above-mentioned steps. Two patients developed urethral fistula and 1 had preputial dehiscence.

CONCLUSIONS

Preputioplasty with TIP is feasible in proximal hypospadias with curvature without increasing the complication rate. Postoperative phimosis can be prevented by on-table testing of the adequacy of preputial skin by 3 stay sutures.

Utilization of urethral plate in hypospadias surgery

Purpose

Recognition the urethral plate comprises tissues that normally should have created the urethra was an important milestone in hypospadias surgery, giving rise to new operative repairs - most notably the tubularized incised plate technique. This article reviews the current state of the art for hypospadias repair using tubularized, incised plate (TIP).

Materials and Methods

Personal experience and literature reports were reviewed to summarize use of TIP urethroplasty for distal, proximal, and re-operative hypospadias repairs.

Results

The TIP can be used to correct all distal and most proximal hypospadias. The major contraindication is ventral curvature that leads to urethral plate transection for straightening, which is only necessary in some proximal cases. Reoperations can also be performed using TIP provided the urethral plate has been maintained and is not grossly scarred. Complication rates are comparable to previously used techniques, while cosmetic appearance after TIP is considered superior to other available procedures.

Conclusions

Recognition of the urethral plate and its incorporation into the neourethra has revolutionized hypospadias repair. The most commonly used operative procedure today is TIP.

Tubularized incised plate proximal hypospadias repair: Continued evolution and extended applications

OBJECTIVE

We report additional technical modifications and extended application of proximal TIP hypospadias repair in consecutive patients operated by a single surgeon.

MATERIALS

During a 39-month period, 36 patients underwent primary proximal hypospadias surgery, with 26 undergoing TIP and 10 two-stage repair for a thin urethral plate (UP) (1) or ventral penile curvature (VC) requiring UP transection (9). Of the TIP repairs, 16 had UP elevation from the corpora cavernosa to facilitate VC straightening while maintaining the UP for urethroplasty. All TIP patients underwent two-layer urethroplasty with tunica vaginalis coverage over the neourethra.

RESULTS

With mean follow up of 12 months (2-38) in 24 TIP patients, 16 had calibration and 11 urethroscopy 6-12 months postoperatively. Complications occurred in three (13%), glans dehiscence (2) and neourethral stricture (1), which represents a significant reduction versus our prior reports. Non-randomized preoperative testosterone in 8/24 with follow up did not influence complication rates. TIP incision of the elevated UP did not divide it into separate strips, or impair vascularity.

CONCLUSIONS

Dissection of the UP from the corpora facilitates correction of VC while preserving the plate, without increasing TIP urethroplasty complications. Overall, complication rates for TIP have significantly diminished with technical modifications and experience. The role for neoadjuvant hormonal therapy remains unclear. Despite straightening VC preserving the UP, intraoperative assessment deemed it unsuitable for TIP in one case (4%).