SUBSTITUTION URETHROPLASTY WITH BUCCAL MUCOSAL-FREE GRAFTS:

Single-stage dorsal inlay split-skin graft for salvage anterior urethral reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

To report our initial experience and extended follow-up of single-stage dorsal inlay skin-graft urethroplasty for salvaging recurrent anterior urethral stricture (AUS), as urethral reconstruction remains a challenge, particularly in patients with recurrent AUS after previous surgery, and a paucity of local skin frequently requires free graft reconstruction techniques.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 27 patients (mean age 48.12 years, range 17-79) with recurrent AUS had a dorsal inlay urethroplasty using extragenital split-thickness skin grafts. An electrical dermatome was used for graft harvesting. All patients had contraindications for buccal mucosal grafting (e.g. radiotherapy, leukoplakia). The assessment before repair comprised a clinical investigation, urine analysis, uroflowmetry, retrograde and voiding cystogram, urethral ultrasonography and endoscopy. The follow-up was based on an assessment of flow rate and postvoid residual volume. Success was defined by the absence of symptoms and stable maximum flow rate, while any further instrumentation was considered a failure.

RESULTS

The mean (range) stricture length was 8.35 (3-14) cm. The overall complication rate was 7%, with no complications during surgery. During the mean (range) follow-up of 32.43 (5-46) months, 25 (93%) of the patients were successfully cured in one operation. Two patients required further treatment for recurrence and fistula. No long-term complications were noted at the graft donor sites. There was no case of intraurethral hair growth during the extended follow-up.

CONCLUSION

If there are contraindications for buccal mucosal grafting, a split-thickness skin can be used for dorsal inlay urethroplasty in recurrent AUS. A well-vascularized recipient bed on the corpora cavernosa is required for reliable graft take. Intra-urethral hair growth is avoided by using split-skin grafts. Although the complication rates are equivalent to those of buccal mucosa, we await the longer follow-up to assess the ultimate value of this alternative single-stage technique.

Perineal anastomotic urethroplasty for managing post-traumatic urethral strictures in children: the long-term outcome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term results of one-stage perineal anastomotic urethroplasty for post-traumatic paediatric urethral strictures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-five boys who had a perineal anastomotic urethroplasty for post-traumatic bulbous or posterior urethral strictures between 1991 and 2003 were analysed retrospectively. Patients were followed up for a mean (range) of 46 (6-132) months by a history, urinary flow rate estimate, retrograde urethrography and voiding cysto-urethrography.

RESULTS

The mean (range) age of the patients was 11.9 (6-18) years. The estimated radiographic stricture length before surgery was 2.6 (1-5) cm. The perineal anastomotic repair was successful in 31 of 35 (89%) patients. All treatment failures were at the anastomosis and were within the first year. Failed repairs were successfully managed endoscopically in two patients and by repeat perineal anastomotic repair in the remaining two, giving a final success rate of 100%. All boys are continent except two who had early stress incontinence, and that resolved with time. There was no chordee, penile shortening or urethral diverticula during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall success of a one-stage perineal anastomotic repair of post-traumatic urethral strictures in boys is excellent, with minimal morbidity. Substitution urethroplasty or abdomino-perineal repair should be reserved for the occasional patients with concomitant anterior urethral stricture disease or a complex posterior urethral stricture, respectively.