Comparison of the perimeatal-based flap (Mathieu) and the tubularized incised-plate urethroplasty (Snodgrass) in primary distal hypospadias

Efficacy comparison between Mathieu combined urethral plate incision and onlay island flap urethroplasty for distal hypospadias in patients with urethral plate stenosis

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of Mathieu combined urethral plate incision (Mathieu-IP) versus onlay island flap urethroplasty in patients with distal hypospadias complicated by urethral stenosis. The clinical data of 70 patients with distal hypospadias complicated by urethral plate stenosis treated in the Department of Urology, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital (Hefei, China), from May 2019 to May 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-eight patients underwent Mathieu-IP (Mathieu-IP group) and 32 underwent onlay island flap urethroplasty (Onlay group). Follow-ups at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively assessed operative time, complications, urethral meatus morphology, and family satisfaction. The Mathieu-IP group had significantly shorter operative time (mean ± standard deviation [s.d.]: 81.58 ± 5.18 min) versus the Onlay group (mean ± s.d.: 110.75 ± 6.05 min; P < 0.05). Surgical success rates were 78.9% (Mathieu-IP group) and 75.0% (Onlay group), with no significant difference ( P > 0.05). Complications were comparable between the groups. The Mathieu-IP group resulted in a vertical slit-shaped urethral meatus in 89.5% versus 13.8% in the Onlay group ( P < 0.05). Family satisfaction with general penile appearance and skin shape showed no significant differences, but the Mathieu-IP group had higher satisfaction with meatal position ( P < 0.05). Mathieu-IP offers simplicity, safety, and shorter operative time compared to Onlay. Both the techniques effectively treat urethral plate stenosis in distal hypospadias, with reduced postoperative complications compared to tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. Mathieu-IP results in a vertical slit-shaped urethral meatus which enhances urinary stream, indicating its potential for broader adoption.

What are the factors affecting glanular dehiscence after hypospadias surgery?

BACKGROUND

Glanular dehiscence (GD) is one of the main complications after hypospadias surgery. There is a limited number of publications regarding GD in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work is to reveal the factors that affect GD after a literature review.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A literature search for relevant articles was performed in database using the search term glans dehiscence without setting date range limit or any other limits. All articles related to GD after hypospadias surgery were included in this study. After collecting the information from full text articles, 71 articles were included in this systematic review. In these studies, localization of hypospadic meatus, type of surgery, and other clinical data which were thought to behave as risk factors for GD were obtained. Chi-Square test was used to evaluate the differences between the parameters, where p < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

RESULTS

After evaluating the 71 articles that met the inclusion criteria, 309 cases (3.48%) of GD after 8858 hypospadias repairs were obtained in this review. GD rates were found significantly high for proximal hypospadias (5%), two-stage hypospadia repairs (5%) and re-do hypospadias repair (8.75%) (p = 0.002, 0.022, and 0.004, respectively). Glans width <14 mm, urethral plate (UP) width <7 mm, hypospadias surgeries performed before 6 months of age and after puberty, and caudal block anesthesia increased the rate of GD.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of GD increases after proximal, cripple and staged hypospadias surgeries, a glans width <15 mm and UP width <8 mm, postpubertal surgeries, and caudal anesthesia use during surgery.

Repair of distal hypospadias by construction of neourethra from augmented urethral plate with two lateral strips of glans skin and coverage with dartos flap followed by skin closure with preputial flap: single center series

Introduction

Hypospadias is one of the most common anomalies in boys. Many surgical techniques for reconstruction of distal hypospadias have been described, each method having a different success rate. Our objective in this study is the assessment of the surgical technique for repair of distal hypospadias by construction of a neourethra from the augmented urethral plate with two lateral strips of glanular skin, coverage with a dartos flap, and followed by skin closure with preputial skin flap.

Material and methods

From March 2016 to November 2018, repair of distal hypospadias was performed in 56 children with a mean age of 3.2 years (range 2 to 8 years old). Minimum follow-up was 12 months, maximum up to 24 months. Success was defined by cosmetic appearance of the penis, parent perception of penile appearance, and urinary function. Uroflowmetry was done in 22 children at the 12 months follow-up. Parents evaluation of procedure was done by questionnaire using the pediatric penile perception score (PPPS).

Results

The results were successful with straight penile shaft, conical glans, slit-like meatus located at the tip of the glans, with no rotation, and normal micturition. Five children had urethrocutaneous fistula (8.9%) that were treated with simple closure. Parents reported 'very satisfactory' (98.2%) and 'satisfactory' (1.8%).

Conclusions

The described technique of repair of distal hypospadias in children with different variants of urethral plate width and glans size showed good results, both operator's and parent's perception of the results being very satisfactory. This technique is categorised stage 2a in the IDEAL (Idea, Development, Evaluation, Assessment, and Long-term study) staging system for surgical innovations.

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.

Evaluation of double-folded meatal-based flap (modified Mathieu) in redo circumcised distal penile hypospadias: a prospective multicenter study

Background

Sometimes it becomes a dilemma to repair a failed circumcised distal penile hypospadias with partial or complete wound dehiscence. In many of these cases, redo operations need a graft or a flap. The aim of this study is to evaluate the double-folded meatal-based flap in redo circumcised hypospadias with shallow urethral plate and a small glans penis.

Results

From September 2015 to August 2018, we prospectively studied the double-folded meatal-based flap in 56 failed circumcised distal hypospadias without penile curvature with shallow urethral plate and a small glans penis. Distally folded Mathieu flap was done. Forty-seven cases only had completed the study. We had 19 patients with distal penile hypospadias, 19 with sub-coronal hypospadias, and 9 with coronal hypospadias. Median operative time was 50 (range 40–80 min). The median length of the double-folded flap was 14 (range 10–18 mm). The median follow-up was 12 (range 1–33 months). The success of the operation means that there is an absence of any complications. Our success rate was 73%. We had 8 patients with meatal retraction, one fistula, and one patient with wound disruption. Only 3 patients (6.4%) needed re-operation: one case with meatal retraction, another with fistula, and a third with complete wound disruption.

Conclusion

Distally folded meatal-based flap is an additional option in redo circumcised hypospadias with shallow urethral plate, small glans penis, and pliable anterior penile skin with a considerable high percent of meatal recession.

Postoperative outcomes in distal hypospadias: a meta-analysis of the Mathieu and tubularized incised plate repair methods for development of urethrocutaneous fistula and urethral stricture

PURPOSE

To compare the two major complications, namely postoperative urethrocutaneous fistula and urethral stricture, between the Mathieu and tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair methods for distal hypospadias.

METHODS

In this meta-analysis, electronic databases were searched for comparative studies on the two techniques. The Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence was used to evaluate the included studies. The main outcome measure was the frequency of postoperative fistula and urethral stricture. RevMan 5.3 was used for statistical analyses, with P < 0.05 indicating statistical significance.

RESULTS

A total of 17 studies, which included 1572 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The frequency of urethrocutaneous fistula did not differ between the Mathieu [115 (13%)] and TIP [90 (13%)] methods [odds ratio (OR) 1.1, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.6-1.9; P = 0.73)]. Urethral stricture was less frequent after the Mathieu [15 (2%)] method than after the TIP [37 (5%)] method (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.8; P < 0.01), even after the subgroup analysis of eight randomized controlled trials was included. Overall, the quality of the included studies was determined to be satisfactory. The levels of evidence on which this review was based ranged from 1b to 2b using the CEBM Levels of Evidence.

CONCLUSION

Compared with TIP repair, Mathieu repair for hypospadias had a significantly lower risk for urethral stricture; however, the risk for urethrocutaneous fistula was similar.

Primary hypospadias repair techniques: A review of the evidence

This review summarizes data regarding commonly used surgical techniques to repair distal and proximal hypospadias. We review evidence concerning indications for various procedures used in primary hypospadias repair, and their complications, urinary function and esthetic results. Available evidence suggests TIP is preferable to Mathieu for distal hypospadias correction. Current data do not identify a clear preference between TIP and onlay flap for proximal repair when there is ventral curvature <30°, or between various flap and graft options when curvature is >31°. A review of objective data helps clarify decision-making for distal hypospadias repair. Additional objective evidence is needed to identify preferred options for proximal hypospadias repair. Measuring glansplasty dimensions (meatal size and distance from meatus to corona) may improve urinary function assessments, and provide additional objective data for decision-making between various surgical techniques.

Primary hypospadias repair techniques: A review of the evidence

This review summarizes data regarding commonly used surgical techniques to repair distal and proximal hypospadias. We review evidence concerning indications for various procedures used in primary hypospadias repair, and their complications, urinary function and esthetic results. Available evidence suggests TIP is preferable to Mathieu for distal hypospadias correction. Current data do not identify a clear preference between TIP and onlay flap for proximal repair when there is ventral curvature <30°, or between various flap and graft options when curvature is >31°. A review of objective data helps clarify decision-making for distal hypospadias repair. Additional objective evidence is needed to identify preferred options for proximal hypospadias repair. Measuring glansplasty dimensions (meatal size and distance from meatus to corona) may improve urinary function assessments, and provide additional objective data for decision-making between various surgical techniques.

Comparative study of Mirs(') (Mushtaq and Shabir) technique of prepuce preserving minimally invasive urethroplasty with Snodgrass urethroplasty for repair of distal hypospadias without chordee…A prospective study

Background:

There is no single, universally applicable technique for hypospadias repair and numerous techniques have been practised from time to time. We compare the results of our new technique (Mirs’ technique also called Mush & Shab's technique) to Snodgross urethroplasty. Mirs’ technique is a modified version of Thiersch-Duplay urethroplasty.

Material and Methods:

This prospective comparative study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital of Northern India over a period of 3 years from March 2010 to March 2013 and included 120 patients of anterior (distal penile, subcoronal, coronal and glanular) hypospadias without chordee. They underwent either Mirs’ technique (group 1 n = 60) or Snodgrass technique (group 2 n = 60). Follow-up was at 1-week, 1-month, 3 months and 6 months.

Results:

The mean operative time was 55 min (range: 43-70 min) in group 1 and 71.9 min (range: 60-81 min) in group 2 (P < 0.001). Urethrocutaneous fistula developed in two and four patients in group 1 and 2, respectively. Fistula closure was done at least 3 months postoperatively, and there was no significant difference in success rate between the two groups. Three cases of glanular dehiscence were detected (one in group 1 and two in group 2); the patient from group 1 had a successful repair using the already preserved prepuce.

Conclusion:

Mirs’ modification of Thiersch-Duplay technique for distal hypospadias is a time saving procedure with a lower overall complication rate. Valuable local tissue is preserved to deal with any complication that may occur. Analgesic requirement was significantly lower in this minimally traumatic technique. As it is less time consuming, simple and easy to learn with a short learning curve, this technique deserves application in cases of distal 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.

Comparative Study of Snodgrass and Mathieu's Procedure for Primary Hypospadias Repair

Objective. Present study was undertaken to compare the results of two single stage hypospadias repairs, namely, Tubularized Incised Plate (TIP) repair and Mathieu's repair. Methods. The study included 100 patients of distal penile hypospadias, from January, 2008 to January, 2013. After a detailed history, local examination was performed with reference to the site of meatus, shape of glans, and presence of chordee. TIP repair was performed in 52 patients and Mathieu's repair in 48 patients. On follow-up, the patients were examined for the position of meatus, shape of meatus, urinary stream, urethrocutaneous fistula, and stricture formation. Results. The mean age of presentation was 6.2 ± 3.2 years (range 1.5–15years). The mean operative time was 63.7 ± 14.3 (45–90) minutes and 95.0 ± 19.1 (70–125) minutes in TIP and Mathieu's repair, respectively.Complications after surgery were urethero cutaneous fistula in 3(5.76%) and 7 (14.5%), meatal stenosis in 3(5.33%) and 4(8.33%), wound infection in 19.2% and 8.3% cases in TIP repair and Mathieu repair, respectively. The shape of meatus was slit-like and vertically oriented in 48(92.3%) patients who had undergone TIP repair. Conclusion. The Snodgrass repair is significantly faster, with more natural cosmetic appearance of the meatus than the Mathieu's repair.

Combined Use of the Mathieu and Incised Urethral Plate Techniques for Repair of Distal Penile Hypospadias

Though both the Mathieu and incised urethral plate techniques are individually described for single-stage repair of distal penile hypospadias, each has its own shortcomings. We describe the combination of the two techniques by taking their advantages and reducing their limitations. Thirteen patients belonging to the age group of 3-22 years with distal penile hypospadias and mild chordee were operated by this technique with a mean follow-up of 8 months. One patient had urethrocutaneous fistula, and another patient had partial skin necrosis which healed spontaneously without fistula. Both of these complications occurred in adult patients. None developed urethral stenosis, and the cosmesis of the glans was excellent in all cases. This technique is very helpful in patients having small flat glans and shallow urethral groove.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing the perimeatal-based flap and tubularized incised-plate techniques for primary hypospadias repair

PURPOSE

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing the perimeatal-based flap (PBF) and tubularized incised-plate (TIP) techniques for primary hypospadias repair and determine whether the two techniques had similar reported outcomes.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched using the terms: hypospadias, Snodgrass, TIP*, tubularized incised plate, tubularized incised-plate, Mathieu*, perimeatal-based flap, perimeatal flap, meatal-based flap and meatal based flap. No other limits were used. Inclusion criteria included: primary hypospadias repair only; both including the PBF and TIP techniques; at least one of the quantitative outcomes obtainable from study; comparative studies.

RESULTS

Twelve studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Meta-analysis showed that there were no significant differences between the two techniques when comparing fistula (OR = 1.47; 95 % CI: 0.82-2.63; P = 0.20), meatal stenosis (OR = 0.53; 95 % CI: 0.24-1.16; P = 0.11), and wound dehiscence (OR = 0.82; 95 % CI: 0.24-2.84; P = 0.76). Both the studies which assessed cosmesis objectively showed a consistent better cosmetic result of the TIP technique (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

There were no significant differences of complication rates between the two techniques, and the TIP technique was usually of better cosmesis. Given the large clinical heterogeneity among studies, future more well-designed studies with full data and uniform criterion were awaited.

A new use of scrotal septal skin flap in repairing hypospadias

In our study, we introduce the use of a scrotal septal skin flaps in repair of hypospadias. Between June 2006 and October 2008, 30 patients were treated by using a penile local flap to reconstruct the urethra, and a scrotal septal skin flap to cover the wound located on the ventral side of the penis. Of 30 patients, 4 presented with urine leakage, but this condition healed spontaneously after 2 to 4 weeks. Urine leakage healed without problem in the remaining patients, and they had unobstructed urinary flow. Additionally, they all were satisfied with genital appearance after the reconstruction. We conclude that our method is a convenient means to cover the wound at the ventral side of the reconstructed urethra by using a scrotal septal skin flap during hypospadias repair. This procedure provides good urinary function and satisfactory appearance to the patients. In addition, this method solves the problem of very limited local tissue for urethral reconstruction in the hypospadias patient.

The role of flaps and grafts in modern hypospadiology

The modern hypospadiologist must be proficient in the use of both vascularized flaps and free grafts. When choosing a repair for any given patient with hypospadias, one must consider the length of the urethroplasty, the presence and degree of ventral curvature and perhaps most importantly, the surgeon's own experience. Not all repairs are created equally and different complication rates and cosmetic outcomes can be seen among different surgeons utilizing the same technique. Each surgeon tends to infuse their own modifications to any given technique and many of these modifications go unreported. It is incumbent upon each surgeon to be familiar with a wide variety of techniques, which invariably includes the use of flaps and grafts. We present a spectrum of the uses of flaps and grafts in modern hypospadiology.

Combined Mathieu and Snodgrass urethroplasty for hypospadias repair: a prospective randomized study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the outcomes of combined Mathieu and Snodgrass urethroplasty for distal hypospadias repair and to compare them with the two techniques separately.

METHODS

Between January 2006 and February 2009, patients with distal hypospadias were prospectively randomized to undergo one of the three following urethroplasty techniques: Mathieu urethroplasty, Snodgrass urethroplasty or a combination of the two. Operative time, intraoperative, early and late postoperative complications were reported for each procedure.

RESULTS

101 patients were included in this study. The Mathieu technique was used for 30 patients, Snodgrass repair was carried out in 37 patients and 34 patients underwent the combined technique. Operative time ranged from 43 to 120 min. Eight patients developed urethrocutaneous fistulae. Meatal stenosis was encountered in five cases. Thirty-seven patients had rounded meatus, while a slit-like urethral opening was found in 64 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

In our hands, the combined Mathieu and Snodgrass urethroplasty technique provided a better cosmetic outcome than the Mathieu technique with no incidence of meatal stenosis as seen with the Snodgrass technique.

Hypospadias repair and glans augmentation using a modified Mathieu technique

PURPOSE

To describe a modification in Mathieu (perimeatal-based flap urethroplasty) technique that incorporates glans augmentation into the procedure and is applicable for hypospadias patients with small glans and shallow urethral grooves.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-four children with primary hypospadias and small glans underwent either the new double-faced Mathieu (DF-Mathieu) technique (33 patients) or tubularized incised plate (TIP) procedure (21 patients). DF-Mathieu perimeatal-based skin flap was meant to cover the distance from urethral orifice to the tip of the glans and flip back to fill the gap between glans wings. Patients were followed up for 20 months (12-30). TIP group underwent the conventional procedure.

RESULTS

The mean age in DF-Mathieu and TIP group was 43.1 and 39.8 months, respectively. Post-operative results in DF-Mathieu group revealed one urethral fistula and no urethral break down or necrosis. In TIP group, there were one glans fistula (4.7%) and one meatal stenosis (4.7%). Overall success rate was 97% in DF-Mathieu and 90.5% in TIP operation. After 6 months, all DF-Mathieu patients had slit-like meatus and their cosmetic results were satisfactory.

CONCLUSION

Double-faced Mathieu technique seems applicable in patients with shallow urethral grooves when TIP procedure may increase the risk of complications. Unlike its predecessor, this technique eliminates the tension on glans wing sutures and the risk of subsequent neo-urethral break down.

Effect of suturing technique and urethral plate characteristics on complication rate following hypospadias repair: a prospective randomized study

PURPOSE

We studied the effect of suturing technique and the impact of urethral plate characteristics on the complication rate following tubularized incised plate urethroplasty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively studied 80 boys (mean age 4.5 years, range 3 to 7) with primary hypospadias in a randomized fashion between January 2004 and May 2005. Of the patients 64 had anterior and 16 had mid penile hypospadias. Patients were allocated into 2 groups according to suture technique, with continuous sutures used in 40 boys and interrupted sutures in 40. We evaluated urethral plate depth, length and width before and after incision. Correlation between suture technique, plate type, width and length, and complication rate was performed.

RESULTS

Mean followup was 3 years. Success rates were 90% and 69% for anterior and mid penile hypospadias, respectively (p = 0.037). Complications developed in 11 patients (13.8%) and consisted of fistula (8), dehiscence (2) and meatal stenosis (3). On univariate analysis the suture technique, depth and length of urethral plate, width after incision and presence of hypoplasia had no impact on complication occurrence. However, urethral plate width before incision was significantly related to complication occurrence (p = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

Suture technique has no influence on the outcome of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. Urethral plate characteristics do not affect the complication rate except for plate width, which significantly affects the outcome. Adequate urethral plate width (8 mm or greater) is essential for successful tubularized incised plate repair.

Is objective assessment of cosmetic results after distal hypospadias repair superior to subjective assessment?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether systematic scoring of pictures is really superior to subjective evaluation in the assessment of cosmetic results of distal hypospadias surgery, and whether any differences exist in subjective evaluation among the operating surgeon, the parents of the child, and a third party not previously involved in the care of the patient.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven patients undergoing distal hypospadias repair by either the Snodgrass or Mathieu technique were enrolled. Cosmetic results of surgery were scored from 0 to 10 by one of each child's parents and by three surgeons. The latter assessed the results blindly on pictures taken during the outpatient visits; one used a systematic scoring system while the other two including the operating surgeon used subjective scoring. The four scores were compared using the Kendall W coefficient of concordance.

RESULTS

Overall, there was excellent concordance among the four observers (P<0.0001). The Snodgrass repair allowed for significantly better cosmetic results overall.

CONCLUSION

In distal hypospadias, subjective evaluation of overall penile appearance can be as reliable as an evaluation made using a systematic scoring system. There seems to be excellent concordance among the subjective evaluations of different observers.

Combined use of Mathieu procedure with plate incision for hypospadias repair: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To introduce a simple and effective technique for urethroplasty of distal hypospadias, using the advantages of both standard techniques of Snodgrass and Mathieu to reduce or eliminate the shortcomings of each.

METHODS

Forty patients with primary distal hypospadias were randomized between two groups (20 in each). Patients in group I underwent standard Snodgrass urethroplasty, whereas those in group II were operated with our novel technique, Mathieu-Incised Plate (Mathieu-IP), comprising preparation of a parameatal-based skin flap as in the Mathieu procedure together with modifications (adopted from Snodgrass urethroplasty) such as a complete longitudinal incision on the urethral plate as well as coverage of the neourethra with an inner preputial flap. Operative data and outcomes of both procedures were analyzed prospectively after 1 year of follow-up.

RESULTS

Both groups were age matched (group I: 7.05 +/- 4.85 years; group II: 7.31 +/- 2.17 years), and there were no significant differences in mean operative time (95 minutes versus 100 min in groups I and II, respectively). There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of complications. Whereas 3 cases of posturethroplasty meatal stenosis and 2 of urethrocutaneous fistula (5 complications, 25%) were detected in the Snodgrass group, neither of these complications occurred in the Mathieu-IP group. All 40 patients benefited from a slit-like meatus.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining the Mathieu procedure with plate incision could be considered a promising simple technique to achieve a normally shaped meatus and to reduce the rate of meatal-related complications, the major concern with the Snodgrass procedure.

Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for distal hypospadias: A literature review

The tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty or Snodgrass procedure has gained worldwide acceptance for distal hypospadias repair due to its low complication rate, good cosmetic result, and technical simplicity. As a result, several articles have been published concerning various aspects and subtle variations of this procedure. The aim of this review is to critically and systematically analyze the published complication rates of TIP repair for distal hypospadias in children. We also reviewed the surgical modifications that have been introduced to the original technique and discussed the potential impact on the final outcome of the Snodgrass procedure.

[Correction of hypospadias by the Snodgrass method. Indications and results]

Tubularisation of the urethral plate with a medial incision was popularized by Snodgrass in the late 1990s. Since then this procedure has emerged throughout the world as the method of choice for correction of primary hypospadias. The procedure is applied as the technique of choice for primary correction of hypospadias, regardless of the level of the hypospadic meatus and the width of the original urethral plate, and is also used in various situations for secondary hypospadias surgery.. The complication rate is about 5-10 % in primary cases and between 10% and 20% in revision surgery for hypospadias repair.

Quality assessment of hypospadias repair with emphasis on techniques used and experience of pediatric urologic surgeons

OBJECTIVES

To assess outcomes in hypospadias repair at our institution, as compared with the literature, with repair technique and surgeon considered as risk factors.

METHODS

The results of 299 primary hypospadias corrections were analyzed. All procedures were performed by three experienced pediatric urologists. Mean patient age at operation was 16.3 months. Follow-up was between 6 months and 5.5 years. Distal hypospadias repair was carried out in 242 patients, with tubularized incised plate reconstruction in 100 patients, advancement in 128, and the Mathieu technique in 14.

RESULTS

During follow-up, complications occurred overall in 93 patients (31%). For distal hypospadias complications occurred in 59 patients (24%). The most common findings for distal hypospadias were urethral fistulas (14.4%). The complication rate depended on the severity of the anomaly (0 glanular, 28% pericoronal, and 63% proximal) and the chosen technique (16% advancement technique versus 60% tubular techniques). We found statistically significant differences in complication rates between operating surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications after hypospadias surgery are frequent. They are multifactorial and depend mainly on the type of the anomaly, the chosen technique, and the experience of the surgeon. More studies are needed to obtain an internationally accepted quality indicator for the outcome of hypospadias repair.

Dorsal inlay graft urethroplasty for primary hypospadiac repair

OBJECTIVE

Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty has become a popular technique for repairing distal and proximal hypospadias in many institutions. Dorsal inlay graft urethroplasty has been used in our institution since 2003 to reduce the risk of meatal stenosis. In the present study, we evaluated the results of the dorsal inlay graft procedure.

METHODS

A total of 28 patients with no deep groove and no severe curvature underwent one-stage urethroplasty using an inner preputial-based dorsal inlay graft. The medical records of all patients were retrospectively reviewed with regard to complication rate and cosmetic appearance.

RESULTS

Mean patient age at surgery was 21 months (range, 14 months to 4.6 years). Preoperatively the urethral meatus was coronal in two cases, distal shaft in 17, proximal shaft in six and penoscrotal in three. Nine patients required testosterone therapy before surgery. Mean operative time was 200 min (range, 154-249 min). Mean length of inlay graft was 20.9 mm (range, 12-30 mm). In all patients, a straight penis was achieved without dorsal plication of the corposa cavernosa, and the neomeatus with a slit-like appearance was positioned at the glans tip. At a mean of 22 months of follow up, a urethrocutaneous fistula developed in only one patient (3.6%), requiring repair surgery 6 months after urethroplasty. No patient had meatal stenosis, neourethral stricture or urethral diverticulum along the inlay graft.

CONCLUSION

Dorsal inlay graft urethroplasty is an effective method for hypospadiac repair and leads to good cosmetic outcome with low risk of complications.

Use of Fibrin Sealant in Hypospadias Surgical Repair Reduces the Frequency of Postoperative Complications

INTRODUCTION

Urethrocutaneous fistulas (UCF) and flap dehiscence (FD) are the most common postoperative complications after hypospadias (HS) surgical repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the application of fibrin sealant over the site of surgery and suture lines reduces these complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective cohort of consecutive patients was treated over a 3-year period. 30 patients were submitted to HS surgical repair plus application of fibrin glue over the suture line and surgical site; for comparison, another 56 subjects made up the control group which was submitted to surgical repair only. Variables assessed included: age, type of HS, fibrin sealant used, complications and number of surgical procedures required to treat recurrences.

RESULTS

In general, the frequency of complications was 10 vs. 41% for UCF (p = 0.002), 13 vs. 50% for FD (p = 0.001), and for flap necrosis (FN) 6.7 vs. 28.6% (p = 0.01) for the treatment and control groups respectively. The number of surgical reinterventions to treat recurrences was higher in the control group than in the study group (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of UCF after HS surgical repair can be reduced by applying fibrin sealant over the site of surgery and the suture lines.

Komplizierte Harnröhrenrekonstruktionen bei Erwachsenen und Kindern

The urethral reconstruction is a challenge in the adult, but even more in infant and young male patients. Good knowledge of the anatomy of the penis (blood supply and the course of the nerve fibers) with the availability of microsurgery suturing and instruments improved the outcome significantly. The growing knowledge opened the possibility to reconstruct complicate strictures with grafts. The buccal mucosa flap is one of those improvements, which made a tremendous impact to have a successful outcome. Recently we looked into the outcome of urethral reconstruction of long urethral strictures by using a buccal mucosa only flap. We used a modified technique for hypospadias repair to reconstruct coronar or subcoronar defects by meatal mobilization (MEMO). In cases with a long urethral stricture the success rate was over 90% with a mean follow up of 16 months. In all children the outcome with the MEMO-technique was successful without any major complication with a mean follow-up of 12.5 months.

What Is New in the Treatment of Hypospadias?

Hypospadias is a congenital anomaly characterized by a ventrally placed urethral meatus in a more proximal position on the midline than its normal position in the glanular part of the penis. In 1961, C. E. Horton and C. J. Devine, Jr., developed single-stage modern surgical techniques, namely, local skin flaps and free skin grafts, for urethra reconstruction in hypospadias repair, which may be applied to almost any case with different localizations of the meatus. Later, two new methods, advancement of the urethra and preputial island flap techniques, were added to the surgical algorithm. Because acceptable results were observed, the authors have insisted on using these four techniques for all hypospadias cases since 1972. Complication rates (mainly fistula formation) were quite high (50 percent) in their early series of adults as a result of erection and hematoma formation. The complication rate of their patient population, which is now mainly composed of preschool children, has decreased to 7 to 8 percent, primarily as a result of careful selection of appropriate techniques for each individual case, the development of better surgical materials and equipment, and taking necessary precautions for postoperative care. A brief summary of modern hypospadias repair techniques is presented in four major classes. The results of the authors' 30-year experience and the precautions necessary to avoid postoperative complications are evaluated. The authors conclude that the four modern techniques and their modifications should be performed meticulously for successful hypospadias repair.

Do patch procedures prevent complications of the Mathieu technique?

PURPOSE

The effects of V-incision sutured (MAVIS) and dartos patch reinforcement techniques in reducing side effects and complications of the Mathieu procedure and improving the appearance of the meatus are evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 74 patients with distal shaft hypospadias without chordee or with minimal chordee were operated on by a single surgeon using Mathieu's technique. While only the classic Mathieu repair was performed in group 1, MAVIS and dorsal dartos patch reinforcement was included with the procedure in group 2. A silicone urethral catheter and foam silicone dressing were used in both patient groups.

RESULTS

There were 32 cases in group 1 and 42 in group 2. Median patient age at operation was 3.2 and 3.4 years in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Mean postoperative period for the silicone catheter was 4.9 days in both groups. Followup ranged from 52 to 128 months (mean 76) for group 1 and 13 to 43 months (25.4) for group 2. Five fistulas and 1 meatal stricture developed in group 1 and all the children in this group required meatal calibration with dilatation in some. Neither fistula nor stricture occurred in group 2 and there was no need for calibration. A slit-like meatus was achieved in all children in group 2 but in only 12 in group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

The MAVIS technique and dorsal dartos patch reinforcement may prevent complications of the classic Mathieu procedure. A slit-like meatus was obtained in all cases with this approach.

Comprehensive analysis of six years experience in tubularised incised plate urethroplasty and its extended application in primary and secondary hypospadias repair

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the potential of tubularised incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty in primary and secondary hypospadias repair focusing on the extended application of this procedure, the utility and handling of the urethral plate and operative results.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we analysed the medical records of 228 children with different levels of the hypospadiac meatus who underwent a TIP procedure between February 1997 and December 2002. The children were followed a mean of 42 months. Our medical records provided us with details about the location of the hypospadiac meatus, the width of the urethral plate before and after midline incision, primary versus secondary surgery, complications as well as notes on the extended application of the TIP procedure.

RESULTS

The overall postoperative complication rate was 7.8%. The overall fistula rate was 5.7%, with 4.1% in primary distal, 9.6% in primary proximal and 7.5% in secondary repair respectively. We had one case of meatal stenosis (0.4%) and one of urethral stricture (0.4%) and 3 cases of glandular dehiscence (1.3%). Due to the encouraging results, the frequency of TIP procedure in hypospadias surgery increased from 33% in 1997 to 82% in 2002.

CONCLUSION

In our study the TIP procedure has emerged as the first-choice technique in primary hypospadias repair--irrespective of the level of the hypospadiac meatus and the width of the original urethral plate. This procedure has also proved to be favourable for many cases at secondary surgery.

Comparison of two methods--Mmathieu and Snodgrass--in hypospadias repair

INTRODUCTION

Perimeatal flap (Mathieu) and tubularized incised-plate (Snodgrass) methods were compared regarding success rate, postoperative complications, and cosmetic appearance in primary and recurrent distal hypospadias cases with normal urethral plates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1995 and 2001 Snodgrass-type repair was done in 32 primary and in 24 recurrent hypospadias cases (total 56 patients; mean age 5.8, age range 3-17 years), and Mathieu-type repair was done in 33 primary and in 21 recurrent distal hypospadias cases (total 54 patients; mean age 5.2, age range 2-19 years). There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding demographics. Patients with primary hypospadias either without or with minimal chordee and patients with recurrent hypospadias only with a normal urethral plate were included in the study. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 24 months.

RESULTS

Meatal stricture formation, fistula formation, wound dehiscence, and flap necrosis were seen in 2, 4, 4, and 2 patients, respectively, treated with the Mathieu technique and in 5, 4, 3, and 0 patients, respectively, treated with the Snodgrass technique. Wound dehiscence and flap necrosis were seen less frequently, whereas meatal stenosis was more common in the Snodgrass group (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p > 0.05, respectively; chi(2) test). There was no difference between groups regarding fistula formation. Mean hospital stay, time to stent withdrawal, and urinary diversion period were shorter in the Mathieu group (7.5 +/- 1.19 vs. 5.7 +/- 1.38 days, 7.1 +/- 0.67 vs. 5.4 +/- 0.85 days, and 14.1 +/- 1.17 vs. 10.2 +/- 1.72 days, respectively; p < 0.001 for all). The total success rates were similar (78.6% in the Snodgrass group and 77.8% in the Mathieu group). Cosmetic appearance was highly satisfactory in the Snodgrass group.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that the Snodgrass method should be preferred for primary and recurrent hypospadias cases without chordee or with minimal chordee and with a normal urethral plate due to its lower complication rate and its satisfactory cosmetic appearance. However, when a healthy urethral plate is not available, Mathieu-type repair can be preferred.

Tubularized incised-plate urethroplasty for distal and proximal hypospadias

OBJECTIVE

To describe the tubularized incised-plate (TIP) urethroplasty for distal and proximal hypospadias.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

TIP urethroplasty was undertaken in 83 consecutive boys (mean age 14.1 months, sd 7.8) within the past 3 years; 65 (78%) had distal and 18 (22%) proximal penile hypospadias. This was the primary attempt at hypospadias repair in all children.

RESULTS

All patients were assessed 7 days after surgery at the time of dressing and catheter removal, and subsequently at a median of 4 months in the clinic, before being discharged. The overall late complication rate was 12% and 10% required a second operation. There was a urethrocutaneous fistula in three (5%) of those with distal and in one of the 18 with proximal penile hypospadias (P = 0.56). Glans dehiscence in distal hypospadias occurred in one (1%) and three, respectively (P = 0.01). Secondary surgery for fistula repair and glans closure was successful in all patients. All children void with a single straight urinary stream in a forward direction, and have a normally situated vertical slit-like glanular meatus.

CONCLUSIONS

TIP urethroplasty is a versatile, simple operation with good cosmetic results, which uses the urethral plate to its maximum potential.

Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for distal hypospadia, using overlapping dorsal subcutaneous flaps

This paper presents a newly developed simple procedure using overlapping vascularized dorsal dartos subcutaneous flaps to cover the neourethra after hypospadias correction. A 3-year old boy with distal hypospadias underwent the tubularized incised plate urethroplasty using this method. Postoperative complications, which include urethrocutaneous fistula, were not observed, but the glans did exhibit a vertical, slit-like meatus. Covering the neourethra with overlapping dorsal dartos flaps is expected to prevent the development of urethrocutaneous fistula in patients with distal hypospadias.

Distal hypospadias repair: comparison of two different techniques

The cosmetic results and the morbidity of Mathieu and Barcat techniques are presented and compared in a series of 52 children aged between five months to 19 years during January 1991 to May 2001. All patients treated with the Mathieu procedure had negligible glandular hypospadias at some level. The neomeatus was slit-like or elliptic in majority of the cases. The horizontal bucket handle deformity was eliminated which remains as a meatal problem of the original Mathieu procedure. Four patients had fistula, which was closed by surgery whereas another three had mild stricture formation. Cosmetic and functional results were excellent with the Barcat balanic groove technique. There was no fistula formation, only two had meatal stricture which responded to dilatations. The Barcat technique allows anatomically superior glans reconstruction resulting in a vertical and slit like neomeatus in distal hypospadias repair with a low complication rate.

Tubularized incised plate (TIP) hypospadias repair

In the past 6 years TIP urethroplasty has become a preferred technique for distal hypospadias repair, and has also been used for proximal lesions and reoperations. In this article technical aspects of the procedure are described and published outcomes reviewed. TIP hypospadias repair has gained widespread acceptance because of its versatility, low complication rate and reliable creation of a vertically-oriented meatus.

New surgical techniques in pediatric urology

More sophisticated endoscopic instruments, combined with a better understanding of bladder and urethral pathology, have significantly improved the therapeutic approaches for both posterior urethral valves and ureteroceles. New generation lithotripters have allowed for a safe and efficient method of treating urinary calculi in children, which was once thought too injurious a process with first-generation machines. The rapidly advancing field of laparoscopy, aided by the development of more optically refined and diminutive instruments, has allowed for its application in a wide variety of surgical interventions in pediatric urology. The tubularized incised plate urethroplasty has challenged more traditional approaches to hypospadias repair and is now considered by many pediatric urologists to be the best approach for midshaft and distal hypospadias. The one-stage approach to exstrophy repair may hold the answer to improved continence without a formal bladder neck reconstruction. Finally, the field of tissue engineering leads the way to new advances in autologous biological substitutes in the surgically-challenged patient where there is a shortage of local tissues at the surgeon's disposal.

Surgery to the external genitalia

Surgery to the external genitalia is one of the most challenging chapters of reconstructive urology, due to the need to correct complex problems such as hypospadias or epispadias (isolated or associated to exstrophies). Although this specialty has shown a continuous technical advancement there is no consensus as to the most efficient surgical procedure or to the best strategy to treat these pathologies. The papers reviewed here reflect these statements and reinforce the idea that surgeons' good sense, allied with their experience in the area, are the factors that define the choice of the ideal surgical option for each case.

Urethral reconstruction in children

For hypospadias repair tubularized incised plate urethroplasty provides excellent cosmetic and functional results. It appears to provide equivalent or even better outcomes than other standard procedures. However, long-term results are still lacking. Free grafts show similar complication rates to those with pedicled flaps, and onlays appear to be superior to tubes. By respecting the anatomy and with the use of a few surgical tricks, the fistula rate can be significantly reduced. For epispadias repair, the modified Cantwell-Ransley repair and the complete disassembly technique show good postoperative results, the latter being able to restore the normal anatomical relationship of the male genital components.

Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for proximal hypospadias

OBJECTIVE

To review our experience of using the tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty (useful in the treatment of distal hypospadias) to treat proximal hypospadias.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From March 1997 to March 2000 primary repairs were carried out on 40 boys (mean age 4.5 years) with proximal hypospadias. After degloving the penile skin the meatus was at the mid-shaft in 10 boys, at the proximal penile shaft in 11, at the penoscrotal junction in 16, at the scrotum in two and at the perineum in one. The 21 patients with a mid or proximal shaft meatus were categorized as having mid-shaft and the other 19 as having posterior hypospadias. Tunica albuginea plication (TAP) was used to correct residual ventral curvature. The method of urethroplasty was adapted from that described by Snodgrass. The key step of the TIP repair is a midline incision of the urethral plate; a subcutaneous tissue flap dissected from the inner prepuce is used to cover the neourethra. An 8 or 10 F nasogastric tube is used as a urethral stent and removed 7 or 8 days after surgery. Follow-up endoscopy and urethral sounding were carried out in 17 of the patients aged < 6 years; the mean follow-up was 12.5 months.

RESULTS

TAP was used to correct penile curvature in nine (23%) of the patients. Excluding stenosis, the TIP repair was successful in 20 (90%) of those with mid-shaft and in 16 of the 19 with posterior hypospadias; for all complications the respective rates were 19 of 22 and 15 of 19. The overall success rate was 88% for all 40 patients with proximal hypospadias; a urethrocutaneous fistula occurred in two of those with mid-shaft and three of those with posterior hypospadias. Urethral meatal stenosis occurred in four (12%) of the patients (two in each group); two were associated with a fistula and the other two had only mild meatal stenosis. The overall complication rate was 17.5% (three and four in the mid and the posterior hypospadias groups, respectively). The meatal stenosis was managed by simple dilatation in three and meatoplasty in one patient. Endoscopically, the mucosa of neourethra was pink and smooth in all 17 patients assessed. The calibre of all 17 neourethra was > or = 8 F and in 13 was > or = 10 F.

CONCLUSION

TIP repair is a reliable method for treating both mid-shaft and posterior hypospadias.