Clinical Experience in Hypospadias: Results of Tubularized Incised Plate in 496 Patients

[Outpatient surgery for penile hypospadias in pediatric urology: A monocentric experience with a mean follow-up of 3 years]

INTRODUCTION

Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital anomalies in men. Outpatient surgery has been proposed but is not widespread. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience of outpatient surgery for penile hypospadias repair and to specify the constraints for a result similar to a conventional inpatient procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Observational, retrospective and single-center study, including all the patients operated on hypospadias for the first time by one of the 3 senior surgeons, between January 2011 and March 2018. Peno-scrotal and perineal hypospadias were excluded because systematically hospitalized.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-six patients were included. 67 patients (40,4%) were treated on an outpatient basis. The mean age at the time of procedure was 15.6 (6-51) months. Forms with curvature were almost exclusively hospitalized (1 vs. 25, P<0.001). There was no significant difference for anterior penile forms (60 vs. 81, P=0.06). Middle and posterior hypospadias were more often hospitalized, although outpatient experience exists. There were no more complications in the outpatient group.

CONCLUSION

Outpatient hypospadias surgery seems to be achievable in most of the cases, provided that medical care is standardized and multidisciplinary, the staff is trained and involved and a specific organization is put in place in the department. Evaluation of the socio-family environment is therefore fundamental.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Hypospadias treatment by tubulated pedicled preputial island flap according to the DUCKETT technique: single-center experience in sub-Saharan Africa

Background

Hypospadias is the second most frequent congenital condition in boys after cryptorchidism, with an incidence of 0.3–0.7% compared to 2–4% for cryptorchidism. Since the 1980s, single-stage operations, such as the one described by Duckett, have been adopted by some authors. To assess the results of hypospadias surgery by tubed pedicled preputial island flap (DUCKETT’s procedure) in a West African reference hospital.

Methods

This is a retrospective and descriptive study that includes 41 patients with hypospadias who underwent DUCKETT procedure by a tubed pedicled preputial island flap during a period of 12 years. After penile degloving, the curvature has been corrected by skin bridging with or without Nesbit’s plication. The urethroplasty was done according to the DUCKETT procedure.

Results

The patients mean age was 11 ± 8.5 years. All of them had posterior foreskin and a ventral curvature of the penis. The urethral meatus was posterior in 37%. Six of them had a previous hypospadias repair. The complication rate was 58.5%. Wound infection and meatal stenosis occurred in 14.6% and 19.6% of cases, respectively. After a mean follow-up of 20 ± 9 months, total success, relative success and failure rates were 63%, 27% and 10%, respectively.

Conclusion

The DUCKETT procedure is associated with a high complication rate in our daily practice.

Isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate interposition in the urethro-cutaneous fistula repair: A randomized controlled trial

Background

We aim to evaluate isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate as an intervening layer in the surgical repair of the urethra-cutaneous fistula (UCF) after hypospadias in comparison with the classic surgical repair technique.

Methods

Between January 2017 and July 2018, 40 patients with UCF were randomized into two equal groups. Group I represented a multilayered closure with dartos fascia flap while using cyanoacrylate glue as an interposition layer, while group II represented the same procedure without applying the glue. We followed up our patients for 6 months following the procedure to evaluate a successful closure.

Results

Forty patients were available for evaluation at the end of our study. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding their demographic data. The mean fistula size was 3.25 ± 0.64 and 3.15 ± 0.75 mm in group I and II, respectively, with a statistically significant difference. Successful UCF closure was achieved in 80% of cases in group I (16/20) and 70% of group II (14/20) with no statistically significant difference. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups as regards the occurrence of mild complications in the postoperative period, which was 10% in both groups.

Conclusion

The application of cyanoacrylate during UCF repair was feasible and safe. The successful repair of UCF was found to be higher with cyanoacrylate. However, we could not demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Trial registration number The trial is registered at clinicaltrial.gov with trial registration number: NCT04876976 (retrospective registration)

Complications Following Primary Repair of Non-proximal Hypospadias in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose: The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the complications and postoperative outcomes of children with non-proximal hypospadias. Methods: Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library CENTRAL were searched systematically from January 1990 to June 2020 for the literature that reported the postoperative outcomes of patients with non-proximal hypospadias. Non-proximal hypospadias encompassed distal and mid-penile hypospadias. Results: We included 44 studies involving 10,666 subjects. Urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) was the most common complication with an incidence of 4.0% (95% CI, 3.1-5.0%). Incidence of overall complications was 8.0% (95% CI, 6.3-9.8%). Meta-regression analysis revealed that length of urethral stent indwelling (coefficient 0.006; 95% CI, 0.000-0.011; p = 0.036) and penile dressing (coefficient 0.010; 95% CI, 0.000-0.021; p = 0.048) were two risk factors for UCF. Multivariate meta-regression analysis did not identify any independent risk factors for UCF. No differences were found between stent and stentless groups in non-proximal hypospadias regarding incidences of UCF (OR, 0.589; 95% CI, 0.267-1.297), meatal stenosis (OR, 0.880; 95% CI, 0.318-2.437), and overall complications (OR, 0.695; 95% CI, 0.403-1.199). No differences were found between foreskin preservation and circumcision in terms of complications either. Conclusions: UCF is the most common complication following hypospadias repair with an incidence of 4.0%. Independent risk factors for UCF were not identified in the current research. Distal hypospadias repair without stent indwelling is not likely to compromise the postoperative outcome. Further studies should be designed to explore the differences between different surgical approaches and the potential risk factors for complications following hypospadias repair.

Hypospadias Repair in Ethiopia: A Five Year Review

Background

Hypospadias repair is one of the problematic issues in pediatric surgery. As a result of the multiple complications following the procedure, a variety of techniques have been used and newer methods continue to emerge. There is still controversy regarding the best method of repair. We aimed to determine the outcome of surgery and factors contributing to unfavorable outcomes in children with hypospadias.

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective review undertaken from September 2009 to August 2014. The research was conducted at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. All children who underwent hypospadias repair and had regular follow-up were included in the study.

Results

A total of 202 boys aged less than 13 years were assessed. Most surgeries (80.3%) were performed in children older than 18 months. Transverse incised plate urethroplasty (TIP) was frequently performed for distal hypospadias (71.2 %), while transverse ventral preputal flap (TVPF) was the most common procedure done for proximal hypospadias (62.8 %). Overall success rate for first surgery was 55.9 %. There was a high rate of major post-operative complications (44.1%) of which urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) was the most common (31.2%) followed by meatal stenosis and glans breakdown (7.4 % each). These complications were found to be higher in those who were operated at a later age and those with proximal hypospadias (p=0.03 and p=0.01 respectively). There was also a significant difference among the type of procedures with TIP and TVPF having the least complications (p<0.01).

Conclusion

From our experience, we found TIP a relatively safe and reliable method of repair for distal hypospadias while TVPF single stage repair was superior in the proximal ones. The high rate of complications in our institution was associated with higher burden of severe hypospadias and older age at surgery.

Impact of changing trends in technique and learning curve on outcome of hypospadias repair: An experience from tertiary care center

Introduction:

Apart from numerous clinical factors, surgical experience and technique are important determinants of hypospadias repair outcome. This study was aimed to evaluate the learning curve of hypospadias repair and the impact of changing trends in surgical techniques on the success of primary hypospadias repair.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed of data of 324 patients who underwent primary repair of hypospadias between January 1997 and December 2013 at our center. During the initial 8 years, repairs were performed by multiple 5 different urologists. From 2005 onwards, all procedures were performed by a single urologist. The study cohorts was categorized into three groups; Group I, surgeries performed between 1997–2004 by multiple surgeons, Group II, between 2005–2006 during the initial learning curve of a single surgeon, and Group III, from 2007 onwards after completion of the learning curve of the single surgeon. The groups were compared in respect to surgical techniques, overall success and complications.

Results:

Overall 296 patients fulfilled the inclusion criterion, 93 (31.4%), 50 (16.9%), and 153 (51.7%) in Group I, II, and III, respectively. Overall success was achieved in 60 (64.5%), 32 (64%), and 128 (83.7%) patients among the three groups respectively (P < 0.01). Nineteen (20.4%), 20 (40%), and 96 (62.7%) patients underwent tubularized incised plate repair in Group I, II, and III, with successful outcome in 12 (63.2%), 15 (75%), and 91 (94.8%) patients, respectively (P < 0.01). The most common complication among all groups was urethrocutaneous fistula, 20 (21.5%) in Group I, 11 (22%) in Group II, and 17 (11.1%) in Group III.

Conclusion:

There is a learning curve for attaining surgical skills in hypospadias surgery. Surgeons dedicated for this surgery provide better results. Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty appear promising in both distal and proximal type hypospadias.

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.

Cumulative summation (CUSUM) charts in the monitoring of hypospadias outcomes: a tool for quality improvement initiative

OBJECTIVE

Cumulative summation (CUSUM) charting is a statistical tool that allows an individual surgeon or surgical department to monitor any binary outcome and rapidly detect when complications are outside the acceptable limits. We applied CUSUM statistical analysis to hypospadias repair to utilize the results in our own quality Improvement process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of all patients who underwent hypospadias repair by a single fellowship trained pediatric urologist at a single institution between September 2004 to July 2009 was performed. To graphically represent the complication rates and to assess for unacceptable rates, the use of CUSUM control charting was employed.

RESULTS

In our retrospective review, there were a total of 184 patients who underwent a total of 203 surgeries. Using CUSUM analysis, our incidence of major complications was within acceptable limits until approximately the first 150 operations had been performed, at which time the complication rate fell below the lower limit, indicating performance exceeded expectations.

CONCLUSION

CUSUM statistical charting was successfully applied to the retrospective monitoring of hypospadias outcomes at our institution. This is the first known publication in which CUSUM charts were used to evaluate complications of hypospadias repair.

Learning curve for TIP urethroplasty: A single-surgeon experience

INTRODUCTION

We evaluate the influence of surgeon experience and other clinical factors on the success of primary hypospadias repair, using the tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) technique.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed pediatric cases of primary hypospadias repair performed by a single pediatric urologist (soon after his fellowship training) using TIPU between July 2002 and January 2011. The surgical techniques (including the fact that the procedure was an outpatient one) were the same for each patient. The overall complication rate (CR) was analyzed for the following factors: patient age, use of a stent, meatal position, and surgeon experience. All significant covariates on univariate analysis or with a clinical relevance were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. A non-linear model was created to estimate the change in the CR over the years.

RESULTS

Pediatric patients (median age 1.4 years old) presenting with distal (n = 251), midshaft (n = 22) or proximal (n = 30) hypospadias and with a minimum 6-week follow-up (median 13 months) were included. Most patients (87%) had a urethral stent postoperatively (mean duration 9.8 days). In total, 96 patients had 133 complications: 27 meatal stenosis, 25 meatal coronal migrations, 22 urethrocutaneous fistulas and 59 other complications. Of these, 53 patients underwent a second operation. On multivariate analysis, the only factor increasing the CR was a non-distal meatus. The non-linear model demonstrated a significant learning curve with a decreasing CR over the years. The limitations of this study are its retrospective nature and lack of long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

When using TIPU, the CR significantly increases as the meatal position gets more proximal; the learning curve stabilizes after about 50 to 75 cases.

Medium to long term results following single stage Snodgrass hypospadias repair

INTRODUCTION

The Snodgrass technique for primary hypospadias repair was described in 1994 and involves dorsal incision and tubularisation of the urethral plate distal to the meatus. While the advantages of good short-term outcome and good cosmesis have been reported, there is little data on long-term results in patients who have undergone a Snodgrass repair as a primary procedure for hypospadias. Our aim is to retrospectively review our medium to long-term results of primary tubularised incised-plate urethroplasty for hypospadias repair over a two-year period with up to eight-year follow-up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a case note review of 74 patients who had undergone single-stage Snodgrass hypospadias repair, performed by a single surgeon (AB), from April 2000 to January 2003.

RESULTS

The mean documented follow up was 56 months (3-103 months). The mean age of patients at time of surgery was three and a half years. 95% (70) of patients had a distal (glanular, coronal, sub-coronal, distal shaft) meatus and 5% (4) had a proximal (mid-shaft) meatus. The overall complication rate was 7% (5). Two patients developed fistulae, which was noted and repaired at six months post-op with no further surgical intervention required. One patient underwent an EUA and meatal advancement glansplasty at 6 months for mild glanular dehiscence. Two further patients required EUA and dilatation procedures at two and three years respectively, both for mild meatal stenosis. Again, no further intervention was required. From a cosmetic perspective, two patients were noted to have some residual bulkiness of the skin around the corona and a further two patients were noted to have a small meatus, but with no functional symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Our study has shown a low long-term complication rate in patients undergoing Snodgrass repair as a primary procedure for distal and midshaft hypospadias repair. This supports the results of earlier studies that have shown good functional and cosmetic outcome in the short-term for this procedure which persists into the medium/long term.

Urethral mobilization for distal and mid shaft hypospadias with chordee

PURPOSE

Many options are available for repairing mid shaft to distal hypospadias. Reported complications include poor cosmesis, persistent chordee, meatal stenosis and fistula. We hypothesized that advancing the intact native urethra would facilitate chordee correction and minimize complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our records of all 248 hypospadias repairs done from July 2003 to May 2009 and identified patients younger than 18 years with distal or mid shaft hypospadias who underwent repair by urethral mobilization. The outcomes recorded were patient satisfaction, bladder scan volume, and the rate of fistula, meatal stenosis or other complications.

RESULTS

Of the patients 83 met study inclusion criteria, including 5 (6%) treated with previous failed hypospadias operations. The hypospadias site was the distal, mid shaft and megameatal intact prepuce variant in 69 (83.1%), 11 (13.3%) and 3 patients (3.6%), respectively. Chordee was present in 80 patients (96.4%). The mean degree of chordee was 61.5 degrees, mean age at operation was 35.7 months and mean followup was 18 months (range 0.25 to 79). Of parental responses 94% were pleased or very pleased. Mean bladder volume on bladder scan was 9.7 ml (range 0 to 81). Fistula developed in 1 patient (1.2%). There were no meatal stenosis cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Urethral mobilization results in excellent cosmesis and a low complication rate. This technique is especially well suited to patients with prior operations or deficient preputial skin. Using the native urethra with its blood supply is our preferred method of repairing distal and mid shaft hypospadias with chordee.

Use of BioGlue Surgical Adhesive in Hypospadias Repair

PURPOSE

To prospectively evaluate the efficacy of albumin glutaraldehyde tissue adhesive (BioGlue) in the surgical treatment of patients with hypospadias.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two groups of 20 patients each who underwent hypospadias repair were included in the study. In the first group we utilized BioGlue as an additional protective layer to the suture line of the neo-urethra, while patients in the second group were operated on utilizing a routine surgical technique.

RESULTS

There were no statistical differences between patients from the 2 groups in terms of surgical complications. Urethrocutaneous fistula was revealed in 4 (20%) patients after repair with BioGlue and in 3 (15%) patients from the control group (p = 0.686), suture line breakdown in 4 (20%) and in 1 (5%) patients (p = 0.478), meatal stenosis in 1 (5%) and in 1 (5%) patient (p = 1). Furthermore more patients in the BioGlue group (n = 12, 60%) demonstrated poor cosmetic results compared to the control group where most patients - 19 (95%) had acceptable cosmetic outcomes (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed no benefits of BioGlue use in hypospadias repair.

Outcomes in distal hypospadias: a systematic review of the Mathieu and tubularized incised plate repairs

AIM

To compare complication rates after distal hypospadias surgery using the tubularized incised plate (TIP) and Mathieu techniques.

METHODS

For this meta-analysis, the Medline (1990-2009), Embase (1990-2009) and Cochrane databases were searched using the keyword 'hypospadias'. Inclusion criteria were: i) primary repairs; ii) distal hypospadias; iii) paediatric case series; iv) standard Mathieu and TIP techniques; v) complication data obtainable from the paper. Cases were only included in the denominator for each complication if explicitly identified in the paper. Fisher's exact was used for statistical analysis, with P < 0.05 considered significant.

MAIN RESULTS

129 papers were selected for full analysis; 23 papers met the inclusion criteria comprising 1872 TIP repairs and 1496 Mathieu repairs. We identified an increased incidence of urethral fistulae with the Mathieu technique (3.8% vs 5.3%, P = 0.028); however, this is lost on subgroup analysis. An increased incidence of meatal stenosis was identified in the TIP group (3.1% vs 0.7%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is no clear consensus on the ideal method of repair for distal hypospadias. Both the Mathieu and TIP techniques have been shown to have low rates of postoperative complications. Comparison between series is difficult because of a lack of consistency in reporting complications and follow up. We advocate uniform standards for reporting outcomes of hypospadias.

Kutlay technique for hypospadias repair

OBJECTIVE

Although many techniques have been described, new techniques with a wide range of therapeutic options are needed. The Kutlay technique is a novel technique that is based on the reconstruction of the neourethra with two horizontal meatal-based skin flaps. In the present study, the data of 31 patients who underwent surgery with the Kutlay technique are presented.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-one patients with hypospadias with an average age of 5.6 years who did not have previous hypospadias repair were operated on with the Kutlay technique. Ten patients had chordee. Among those patients, three patients were circumcised.

RESULTS

The patients were followed up for 4-13 months (average, 9.3 months). During the follow-up period, a fistula was observed in only one patient. None of the patients developed neourethral dehiscence, meatal stenosis, urethral stricture, wound infection, penile torsion, hematoma, or persistent or recurrent chordee. On uroflowmetry studies, the maximum flow rate of the patients was approximately 10.5 ml/s (range, 6-17 ml/s). The patients were observed to void with a single straight urinary stream in a forward direction.

CONCLUSION

The Kutlay technique is a technique that is easily applied in patients with chordee and that provides a low risk of fistulas and acceptable functional and esthetic results. The factors that reduce the risk of fistula are the lack of the superposition of the suture lines of the skin and the urethra, the reconstruction of the urethra with well-vascularized flaps, and the replacement of the neourethra in its appropriate location through the tunnel created in the glans.

Use of double pigtail stent in hypospadias surgery

OBJECTIVE

Various types and materials of stents have been used for urinary diversion in hypospadias surgery. We evaluated whether double pigtail stents are superior to straight silicone stents.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent hypospadias surgery with straight silicone or double pigtail stents between November 1997 and October 2005. Comparisons were made between the two groups specifically with regard to the complication rates.

RESULTS

A total of 86 patients were included. The complication rates in patients who received double pigtail stents were significantly reduced as compared with those who received straight silicon stents. There was less wound disruption associated with early stent dislodgement in the double pigtail group compared with the straight silicone group (3.2%vs. 17.4%, p< 0.05). The rate of urethrocutaneous fistula was also lower in the double pigtail stent group (12.7%vs. 30.4%). Subjectively, there was also improved patient comfort and parent anxiety in the double pigtail stent group.

CONCLUSION

Double pigtail stent is a suitable material for urinary diversion in hypospadias surgery. It not only reduces patient discomfort, but also decreases complication rates in hypospadias surgery.

Trends in hypospadias surgery: results of a worldwide survey

BACKGROUND

Hypospadias is a challenging field of urogenital reconstructive surgery, with different techniques currently being used.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate international trends in hypospadias surgery.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Paediatric urologists, paediatric surgeons, urologists, and plastic surgeons worldwide were invited to participate an anonymous online questionnaire (http://www.hypospadias-center.info).

MEASUREMENTS

General epidemiologic data, preferred technique in the correction of hypospadias, and preferred technique in the correction of penile curvature were gathered.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Three hundred seventy-seven participants from 68 countries returned completed questionnaires. In distal hypospadias (subcoronal to midshaft), the tubularised incised plate (TIP) repair is preferred by 52.9-71.0% of the participants. Meatal advancement and glanuloplasty (MAGPI) is still a preferred method in glandular hypospadias. In the repair of proximal hypospadias, the two-stage repair is preferred by 43.3-76.6%. TIP repair in proximal hypospadias is used by 0.9-16.7%. Onlay flaps and tubes are used by 11.3-29.5% of the study group. Simple plication and Nesbit's procedure are the techniques of choice in curvature up to 30°; urethral division and ventral incision of the tunica albuginea with grafting is performed by about 20% of the participants in severe chordee. The frequency of hypospadias repairs does not influence the choice of technique.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we identified current international trends in the management of hypospadias. In distal hypospadias, the TIP repair is the preferred technique. In proximal hypospadias, the two-stage repair is most commonly used. A variety of techniques are used for chordee correction. This study contains data on the basis of personal experience. However, future research must focus on prospective controlled trials.

Hypospadias surgery past, present and future

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hypospadias surgery has been in continuous evolution for many years with steadily improving reported results. Despite this many unanswered questions on its cause, management and outcomes remain. Recent research has done little to clarify most matters.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is increasing evidence of a balance of genetic and developmental factors in the development of hypospadias, but there is doubt whether the incidence of hypospadias is increasing or not. Many technical aspects of hypospadias repair and variations of perioperative management seem to have little effect on outcome, whereas the age at which surgery is performed may. Although efforts are being made to relate anatomical findings to outcome, a lack of objective assessment and standardization is a handicap. Severe hypospadias, particularly that associated with significant chordee, remains challenging although strategies for management are being developed. The future may lie in development of autologous tissue culture for these severe cases.

SUMMARY

Further development of hypospadias surgery would benefit from objective, standardized methods of describing anatomy and outcome measures to facilitate effective comparison of techniques and procedures.

Dartos flap coverage of the neourethra following repair for primary hypospadias, reoperative hypospadias and urethrocutaneous fistulas: it is a safe approach

PURPOSE: Urethrocutaneous fistula and neourethral dehiscence are frequently seen complications of hypospadias surgery requiring reoperation. In this study we report the experience of one surgeon with dartos flap coverage in primary hypospadias, reoperative hypospadias and urethrocutaneous fistulas repair. METHODS: A total of 23 patients underwent hypospadias and urethrocutaneous fistulas repair from January 2006 to May 2009. Fourteen patients were operated on for primary hypospadias repair at our institution and 9 patients were admitted for hypospadias complications such as failed hypospadias repair and urethrocutaneous fistula. In all the patients, the dartos flap was dissected and transposed to cover the neourethra. Operative results were recorded. RESULTS: The primary surgical procedure was a one-stage repair in 61% (n = 14); tubularised incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty in 43% (n = 6) and a Mathieu procedure in 57% (n = 8). Urethrocutaneous fistulas complicating the previous initial hypospadias repair were anterior in 33% (n = 2), middle in 33% (n = 2) and proximal in 33% (n = 2). Repair of the fistula was successful on the first attempt in all patients. The reason for redo surgery in 3 patients was complete dehiscence and the patients had distal shaft hypospadias. CONCLUSION: Dartos flap coverage of the neourethra seems to be an effective method of reducing the fistulous complication rate following primary and secondary hypospadias repair.