Importance of urinary flow studies after hypospadias repair: a systematic review

Effect of Prolonging the Duration of Stenting on Urethral Stricture in Proximal Hypospadias with Severe Curvature Repair: A Prospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

 The aim of this study was to evaluate whether prolonged stenting reduces the risk of urethral stricture after proximal hypospadias (PH) with severe curvature (SC) repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 We prospectively studied a cohort of patients with PH with SC repair who underwent urethral plate transection and urethroplasty between January 2010 and December 2020. According to the duration of stenting, the patients were divided into 2-, 4-, and 6-week groups. Postoperative complications and time of urethral stricture occurrence were analyzed.

RESULTS

 In total, 665 patients were included in the analysis. The overall incidence of complications was 26.6% (n = 177), including 42 cases of urethral strictures: 27 (64.3%) cases of urethral stricture occurred between 4 and 6 weeks after urethroplasty, 7 cases occurred between 7 weeks and 6 months after urethroplasty, 7 cases occurred more than 6 months after urethroplasty, and 1 case occurred at 3 weeks after urethroplasty. The incidence of urethral stricture in the 6-week group (1.8%) was significantly lower than that in the 4- (5.8%) and 2-week groups (10.9%) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

 Prolonged stenting reduces the risk of urethral stricture in PH with SC repair. Four to six weeks after PH with SC repair may be the key period for the formation of early urethral strictures.

Long-term outcomes of foreskin reconstruction in distal hypospadias; a cohort study spanning twenty years

INTRODUCTION

Surgical correction of hypospadias aims to achieve normal functionality and appearance. This entails foreskin reconstruction (FR) in countries where the uncircumcised penis constitutes the norm. Long-term data are however scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the long-term outcome of FR in cohort of patients operated for distal hypospadias combined with approximately 20 years after surgery.

METHODS

The hospital management system was searched for patients operated for distal hypospadias in conjunction with FR between 1997 and 2004. Prospective participants were invited to participate in an online questionnaire. Signed consent allowed for extended medical chart review, with regards to hypospadias grade, surgical procedure and complications.

RESULTS

Response rate of 44.6 %. For 113 participants, median age at primary surgery was 5.2 (1.0-15.5) years. Two-thirds had a distal meatus while the remaining, meatus was mid to distal shaft. Urethroplasties performed were mainly glanular approximation procedures and meatal based flap procedures in 85 %. Foreskin fistula developed in 15 % of cases. There was no significant relationship between urethroplasty procedure or meatal position and risk of foreskin complications. Three layer closure of foreskin resulted in significantly less complications than two layer closure. Twenty years on 95 % of the men still had an intact foreskin, of whom 16.8 % had received treatment for phimosis. Foreskin was retractable in 92.5 % and 74.7 % in the flaccid and erect states respectively. Ninety intact men had had their sexual debut and in those 23.3 % reported foreskin related issues with intercourse. Evolution of foreskin retractability can be seen in the figure.

DISCUSSION

Current results show that three layer FR in conjunction with hypospadias surgery is feasible and that short-term complication rates were comparable with what has previously been published in the literature. Long-term results indicate that FR is durable with regards to anatomical reconstruction however foreskin function especially in relation to sexual function was compromised in about 25 %. Foreskin retractability after surgery predicted retractability in adulthood for the flaccid but not erect penis. Limitations of this study include the retrospective nature of data collection, and that the questionnaire used was not validated. We however achieved a decent response rate and were able to capture important long-term data.

CONCLUSIONS

FR has an acceptable complication rate. Long-term results two decades on are remarkably durable with regards to the anatomical preservation of the prepuce, however functionality was compromised with regards to retractability and sexual function in approximately 25 %.

A comparison of 467 uroflowmetry results in repaired hypospadias vs. normal male flows

INTRODUCTION

There are currently no clinical criteria for obstructed urinary flow after hypospadias repair surgery. Previous studies have utilized adult and pediatric nomograms and flow shapes to define obstruction, however these methods are limited by a lack of standardization and lack of interrater reliability when determining flow shapes, respectively. The idealized voider derived flow indexes offer a way to track uroflowmetry results in a volume and age agnostic manner.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate all our hypospadias patients over a 10-year period and identify patients without complications and those with complications and determine their respective flow parameters. Our secondary objective is to identify which uroflowmetry parameters are the most significant predictors of urethral stricture and meatal stenosis at the time of the uroflowmetry study.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review was used to compile demographic information, details of hypospadias repair surgeries, and uroflowmetry results from pediatric hypospadias repair patients. Subjects were divided into distal, midshaft, and proximal groups based on the initial location of their urethral meatus. Flows from the hypospadias repair groups were compared to flows from normal age matched controls from a previous study. We compared flows from hypospadias repair patients with no complications present with those who had urethral stricture or meatal stenosis present at the time of uroflowmetry. Binary logistic regression and ROC analysis was used to assess different uroflowmetry parameters' ability to detect the presence of obstructed urine flow.

RESULTS

467 uroflowmetry studies from 200 hypospadias repair patients were included in the database. Compared to controls, the hypospadias repair groups tended to have significantly lower Qmax, Qavg, Qmax FI, Qavg FI, and longer ttQmax. Significant differences in flow parameters were observed when comparing hypospadias repair patients with and without flow obstructing complications at the time of uroflowmetry. Binary logistic regression including various uroflowmetry parameters showed Qmax FI had a significant effect on the odds of observing the absence of a stricture in proximal and distal hypospadias cases.

DISCUSSION

Of the uroflowmetry parameters analyzed, binary logistic regression and the likelihood ratio of a positive result all point to Qmax FI as the better parameter to use to detect the presence of complications in patients who have undergone distal or proximal hypospadias repair surgery.

CONCLUSION

We have established normal parameters for post-operative hypospadias repair patients which can be used to follow patients over time and allow for the identification of complications by keeping track of flow indexes which are volume and age agnostic.

Modified versus Classical Tubularised Incised Plate Urethroplasty in Hypospadias: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

Hypospadias is a wide-world congenital malformation that accounts for 1 of 300 live male births. Many procedures were considered for its management. As the tubularised incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty, the most prevalent technique, caused many complications, several modifications were applied to the original operation to improve the outcomes and alleviate complications. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of the ordinary TIP urethroplasty with the technique modified without dissection of the glans penis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 82 patients with a mean age of 18.8 (±14.8) months, were randomly assigned to undergo TIP with either complete glans wings mobilisation (Group A, n = 42 patients) or without glans dissection (Group B, n = 40 patients). To evaluate the effect of modified TIP urethroplasty without glanular dissection for treatment of distal hypospadias in contrast to classical TIP repair.

RESULTS

Both techniques showed similar outcomes regarding functional repair, with good to excellent results between 88% and 90% after 6 months of follow-up. Most confronted post-operative complications were wound infection, oedema, urethrocutaneous fistulas and meatal stenosis. Less frequently haematoma, post-operative bleeding and glans dehiscence were encountered. The differences in complication rates between the two studied groups were statistically insignificant except for oedema (P = 0.04), and need for urethral dilatation (P = 0.002) that were more prevalent among patients who were treated with classic TIP repair with complete glans wings mobilisation.

CONCLUSION

From our point of view, it seems that TIP without glanular dissection technique does not outweigh TIP with complete glans wings mobilisation regarding functional outcomes and post-operative complications.

Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty and grafted tubularized incised plate urethroplasty: systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Background

Hypospadias is one of the most common genital birth defects. There are around 300 various techniques available for the repair of hypospadias. This study aims to compare the reported outcomes of Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIP) and Grafted TIP (GTIP) repair in children undergoing primary hypospadias repair.

Methods

This meta-analysisadhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and we framed our research question using the population, intervention, control and outcomes format. We conducted comprehensive electronic searches across various databases, employing a Boolean search strategy with predefined search terms. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included for quantitative analysis.

Results

Totally, 10 RCTs met our inclusion criteria for quantitative analysis. The results indicated that urethrocutaneous fistula, glans dehiscence, and stricture rates were comparable between the two groups. The incidence of meatal stenosis was found to be significantly lower in the GTIP group with a relative risk (RR) of 0.32 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15 to 0.67).

Conclusion

The coucomes UCF, glans dehiscence, and stricture rates were comparable between the two groups. Notably, the incidence of meatal stenosis was found to be significantly lower in the grafted TIP group. In terms of operative time, our quantitative synthesis demonstrated that the TIP group had a shorter operative time than the GTIP group with significant heterogeneity.

The long-term consequences of the hypospadias salvage repair issue

PURPOSE

To present the long-term results of redo-hypospadias at our tertiary referral center following a failed prior repair.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-four individuals with a history of unsuccessful repairs qualified for our retrospective cohort study. Our inclusion criteria were as follows: pre-operative data that was accessible, redo-hypospadias that was successfully repaired, and at least three years of follow-up at the last hospital visit.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 91.3 ± 21.1 months. The mean follow-up after successful repair was 41.3 ± 3.1 months. Ninety-two (group A) had one prior repair, and 72 (group B) had 2 or 3 repairs. Group A underwent six primary techniques: 32 underwent Onlay Island Flap (OIF), 10 underwent Mathieu, 12 underwent Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty (TIPU), 8 underwent Urethral Mobilization (UM), and 34 underwent Buccal Mucosal Graft (BMG) { dorsal inlay Graft Urethroplasty (DIGU) in 4 and staged BMG in 30 patients}. In group B, four procedures were used: TIPU in 4, UM in 6, and BMG in 62 (staged BMG in 50 cases and DIGU in 12).

CONCLUSIONS

The selected type of repair will depend on many factors, like residual healthy local skin and expertise. Safe techniques for repair of redo hypospadias after its 1st failure include TIPU, Mathieu, UM, OIF, and DIGU for distal varieties. After 2nd or 3rd repair DIGU, UM, and TIPU can be performed in distal types, while staged BMG can be applied for proximal ones.

Extended TIP vs. Standard TIP for primary distal hypospadias repair: randomized study for comparing functional and cosmetic outcomes

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to critically evaluate distal extension of the midline urethral plate incision, extended tubularized incised plate (e-TIP) technique, with the standard TIP and investigating predictors of functional and cosmetic success.

METHODS

In a prospective study, consecutive patients with primary distal hypospadias presented for repair were randomized to undergo either extended TIP (e-TIP) or standard TIP (s-TIP) technique. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated postoperatively using Hypospadias-Objective-Penile-Evaluation (HOPE) score and measurement of ventral-glans-closure-length (VGCL) and meatal length (ML). Functional outcome was evaluated by maximal flow rate (Qmax), average flow rate (Qave), and postvoid residual urine (PVR). The effect of preoperative parameters on the outcome was assessed with regression analysis.

RESULTS

In all 94 cases, out of 110 randomized, were available for analysis. Forty-six in e-TIP group and 48 cases in s-TIP group with comparable preoperative demographics. Median (inter-quartile range) of postoperative total HOPE-score was 57(45-60) vs. 55(44-60) for e-TIP and s-TIP (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean (SD) ratio of VGCL/ML was 87% (26) versus 46% (12) for e-TIP vs. s-TIP, respectively (p < 0.001). Both complications and functional outcomes were comparable. Urethral plate (UP) width and the use of e-TIP technique were significant predictors of successful cosmetic outcome in regression analysis (p = 0.019 and p = 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Extension of midline urethral plate can potentially create a vertical slit-like meatus located at the glans tip without compromising the functional outcome, thus providing better cosmetic outcome compared with the standard technique. The UP width was a significant predictor of superior cosmetic outcome.

Tubularized Reconstructed Plate Urethroplasty: An Alternative Technique for Distal Hypospadias Repair

OBJECTIVE

To report current results of a new surgical technique, tubularized reconstructed plate urethroplasty (TRPU) in distal hypospadias repair which allows the tubularization of urethral plate without incision or grafting.

METHODS

This study is a prospective single surgeon series. Between January 2019 and March 2020, total of 158 patients underwent hypospadias repair, and 29 selected patients had TRPU procedure. Demographic data, duration of follow-up, complications were recorded. A vertical incision is made starting from halfway up the glans. This incision creates a diamond like defect which enables wedge removal of a segment of spongiosum tissue from the base of urethral plate extending to the hypospadiac meatus. Vertical incision is closed horizontally. The urethral plate is stretched and loosened from the base and re-secured into its bed using quilting stitches. Reconstructed urethral plate ensures the required width to allow the formation of neourethra of adequate circumference, followed by a formal glansplasty.

RESULTS

Preoperative glans width was 13.4 ± 0.9 mm, urethral plate width was 6.1 ± 0.9 mm. Mean postoperative follow-up period was 13.6 months. All patients had successful functional outcome and cosmetically satisfying appearance. None of the patients required meatal calibration. The total complication rate was 3.4%.

CONCLUSION

Native urethral plate itself is used as a natural flap to increase the surface area of the urethral plate in this new perspective of urethroplasty method. We believe that TRPU procedure provides an alternative approach for the formation of neourethra and it is a successful and relatively simple procedure with low complication rates, good cosmetic results and promising successful functional short-term outcome.

Risk factors for urethrocutaneous fistula following hypospadias repair surgery in Indonesia

INTRODUCTION

Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital malformations with a worldwide increasing trend over the years. Despite advancements in hypospadias repair, complications still occur. One of the most common complications of hypospadias repair surgery is Urethrocutaneous fistula. Studies attempting to analyze the association between the complication and risk factors are always beneficial, especially for studies performed in different areas of the world. We hypothesize that several evaluated risk factors among Indonesian hypospadias patients could be associated with the occurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula after the repair procedure.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the risk factors associated with urethrocutaneous fistula after hypospadias repair surgery by collecting and analyzing data obtained from multiple centers in Indonesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A nationwide, retrospective study with 12 hospitals in Indonesia of children with a diagnosis of hypospadias was conducted. The collected data, taken from patients admitted in 2018, from each center's medical records consisted of patient identity, repair technique used, neourethra length, percutaneous cystostomy, and splint size as independent variables speculated to be possible risk factors correlated to the presence of urethrocutaneous fistulae. Binomial logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 to determine the relationship between urethrocutaneous fistulae as a post-repair complication and possible risk factors.

RESULTS

We collected 591 hypospadias cases from 12 centers in 9 cities in Indonesia. Most patients came when they were already at the age of more than four years old (60.4%). The chordee-only and failed urethroplasty groups are excluded from the analysis as they are not classified as true hypospadias. Most repairs were performed by using the Tubular Incised Plate (TIP) with Thiersch-Duplay technique (44.16%). Most of the reconstructed neourethra are 2-3 cm in length (32.13%). The 8 Fr urethral splint (46.41%) was mostly used during the operation. Most surgeons decided not to perform cystostomy throughout the procedure (61.03%) based on personal preferences. Urethrocutaneous fistula was found in 80 patients (15.27%) out of the total patients who underwent the surgery. The binomial logistic regression analysis shows that age (OR = 1.398, p = 0.015), the decision to not perform cystostomy (OR = 2.963, p = 0.014), and splint size (OR = 1.243, p = 0.023) are significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the development of urethrocutaneous fistula.

CONCLUSION

Age and splint size are significant risk factors for urethrocutaneous fistula after hypospadias repair in Indonesia, whereas performing percutaneous cystostomy during the repair decreases the risk for urethrocutaneous fistula occurrence.

Urinary flow measurement in hypospadias correlated to surgical procedure and risk of development of urethra-cutaneous fistula

AIM

To explore the correlation between fistula development and urinary flow measurements after hypospadias repair with emphasis on patients with urethrocutaneous fistula complications and to identify risk factors for fistula development.

METHODS

Urinary flow was examined in boys operated on for hypospadias. Outcome of maximum urinary flow (ml/s) (Q_max), voided volume for age (ml) (Volume), and pathological flow pattern (n) (Curve) was compared between the Byars, Mathieu, and Tubularized Incised Plate (TIP) surgical repair methods and between the groups of those who had and had not developed a fistula. Logistic regression analysis was performed for age at operation, genetics, comorbidity, or urinary flow measurements regarding the development of urethrocutaneous fistula.

RESULTS

Seventy-three boys underwent hypospadias repair. Overall, the urinary flow measurements differed significantly between the three reconstructive methods, being favorable for the Mathieu procedure regarding Q_max (p < 0.01), volume (p = 0.04), and frequency of pathological voiding curve (p < 0.01; Table). The frequency of urethrocutaneous fistula was 18% (13/73) and did not differ significantly between the three different reconstructive surgery methods (Byar 33%, Mathieu 32%, and TIP 12%; p = 0.22). Urinary flow measurements did not differ between patients with and without fistula complications regarding Q_max 10 ml/s (4-16) vs. 8 ml/s (2-18), voided volume 74 ml (35-171) vs. 71 ml (9-270), or abnormal urinary flow pattern (23% vs. 30%). On logistic regression analysis, age at operation, genetics, comorbidity, and urinary flow measurement parameters did not turn out to be independent risk factors for development of urethrocutaneous fistula after hypospadias repair.

DISCUSSIONS

The study demonstrated significant differences between the urinary flow measurement results between the three different repair methods, favoring the Mathieu procedure. A low Q_max was a common postoperative finding. Urinary flow measurements did not differ between boys developing fistula and those who did not. No risk factors for fistula development were identified. The study did not support that it would be possible, at an early postoperative stage, to identify those with an upcoming postoperative fistula neither with urinary flow measurements nor through risk factors. No similar reports have studied the possibility of using postoperative urinary flow measurements to determine patients at risk of fistula development after hypospadias repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary flow measurements were favorable after hypospadias reconstruction with Mathieu compared with Byars and TIP. Furthermore, urinary flow measurements did not differ between reconstructed with and without a fistula complication. No risk factor for fistula development was identified.

"Fossa navicularis" and "septum glandis": A "flow-control chamber" for the male urethra?

A clear understanding of the normal anatomy of the glanular urethra is essential for anatomical reconstruction of the male urethra. In hypospadias surgery, tubularization of the neourethra over a catheter or stent has been the standard method for decades. However, the male urethra is not a tubular structure with uniform configuration and diameter by forming a fossa (navicularis) in the glans penis. We recently investigated the structural anatomy of the glanular urethra using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We have shown that the male urethra does not have a uniform tubular structure and not covered by the corpus spongiosum to the end. The glanular urethra that forms the "fossa navicularis" has a wider caliber than the proximal urethra. Its vertical elliptical shape resembles a laterally compressed slit-like passage. The fossa navicularis is covered by a thin layer of fibrous tissue ("septum glandis") which is an extension of tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum and the corpus spongiosum. Our hypothesis is based on the results of MRI of the glanular urethra and the basic principles of fluid dynamics. We analyzed the flow dynamics of urine on this particular component of the urethra in terms of shape and structural properties. Because of its wider caliber than the proximal urethra, the glanular urethra (fossa navicularis) should cause an increase in pressure and a decrease in velocity of the urine flow. The navicular shape of the fossa and its elliptical external opening (the meatus) should allow urine to be expelled at higher flow rates and at opposite angles at the upper and lower corners which make the wave-like shape of the urine. It can be said that the changes in the volumetric form, pressure and velocity, as well as the wave-like shape of the urine flow are caused by the "fossa navicularis" covered by the "septum glandis". We propose that the "fossa navicularis" and "septum glandis" play a role as 'flow control chamber" in controlling the flow of the urine exiting the urethra, which must be taken into account for successful functional reconstruction of hypospadias.

Chronological Changes In Uroflowmetry After Hypospadias Repair: An Observational Study

Aim

Urinary flow after urethroplasty is of paramount importance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the progression of uroflowmetry (UF) parameters after different distal and proximal hypospadias repair techniques.

Methods

In this cohort study, cases that underwent primary hypospadias repair at our institution between March 2010 and December 2018 were included when uncomplicated, asymptomatic and toilet-trained. UF findings and post void residual were described after each specific technique.

Results

In all, 88 patients were eligible. Time to last UF ranged from 35 to 138 months postoperatively. Significant increase started 36 months after distal tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIP) and afterwards than Mathieu technique. While was noticed 24 and 36 months after Onlay technique and proximal TIP, respectively; however, TIP showed steady significant increase atall time intervals. Duckett repair exhibited insignificant change in maximum flow rate (Qmax) values, buccal mucosal graft (BMG) and inner preputial graft (IPG), significant increase in the Qmax values after 6 and 24 months, respectively, then remained steady high. Transposed preputial flap (TPF) showed significant increase at 6-12 months only, then remained steady lower than the other two techniques. Obstructed flow was 37% after distal TIP, 30% after Mathieu, 25% after proximal TIP, 66.7% after Duckett repair, and 33.3% after TPF. There were no obstructed cases after BMG and IPG.

Discussion

Improvement by time varied between techniques. After repair most cases are below the 50th percentile, implying that the reconstructed urethra is not functioning as a normal urethra. Staged repair for proximal hypospadias is preferable to a heroic one-stage procedure.

Conclusion

Choice of the surgical technique for hypospadias repair had impact on the improvement of Qmax values. TIP improved 36 months postoperatively. However, for proximal cases staged graft repair had earlier improvement and higher Qmax values than proximal TIP and Onlay techniques.

Can Grafted Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty be Used to Repair Narrow Urethral Plate Hypospadias? Its Functional Evaluation Using Uroflowmetry

Aim:

Using uroflowmetry, the aim of this study is to determine the functional results of the grafted tubularized incised plate (GTIP) urethroplasty used to repair poor urethral plate hypospadias.

Settings and Design:

Seventy-one patients (mean age: 5.7 years, follow-up: 1–5.5 years) were selected from those who underwent surgery using the GTIP technique from 2013 to 2015 at our institution.

Methods:

Patients included were able to void voluntarily and had no fistula. The flow pattern, maximum urinary flow rate (Q_max), voided volume (vv), average flow rate, and voiding time were measured. The results were expressed as percentiles and interpreted according to Siroky nomogram. The Q_max was considered normal if >25^th percentile, as equivocally obstructed when in the 5^th–25^th percentile, and obstructed if <5^th percentile.

Results:

Hypospadias was distal in 45, mid penile in 17 and proximal penile in 9. The uroflow curve was bell-shaped in 24 (30%), interrupted in 9 (14%), slightly flattened in 31 (46%), and a plateau in 7 (10%). Flow rate nomograms revealed that 49 (68%) were above the 25^th percentile, 9 (17%) were below the 5^th percentile, and 13 (15%) were between these ranges. Eleven patients showed improvement in the flow curve and maximum urinary flow rate (Q_max) in follow-up uroflowmetry.

Conclusion:

GTIP repair provides satisfactory functional results. A long-term follow-up is needed to confirm these results.

[Application of cavernosum reduction technology in glanuloplasty during repair of moderate-severe hypospadias]

Objective

To investigate the application of cavernosum reduction technology in glanuloplasty during the repair of moderate-severe hypospadias and evaluate the effectiveness.

Methods

The clinical data of 192 patients with moderate-severe hypospadias between November 2015 and May 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 103 patients were treated with the cavernosum reduction technology in glanuloplasty during the repair (observation group), 88 patients were treated with repair and glanuloplasty without the cavernosum reduction technology (control group). There was no significant difference in maximum transverse diameter of glans and the height of glans between 2 groups ( t=1.652, P=0.152; t=1.653, P=0.077). The length of reconstructed urethra, complications (e.g. glans dehiscence and fistula), and the maximum flow rate at 3 months after operation in 2 groups were recorded.

Results

The length of reconstructed urethra were (35.51±7.79) mm in observation group and (32.17±6.37) mm in control group. In observation group, the meatus location after the correction of chordee was proximal in 24 cases and scrotum-perineum in 79 cases. In control group, the meatus location after the correction of chordee was proximal in 21 cases and scrotum-perineum in 67 cases. There was no significant difference in the meatus location between 2 groups ( χ ²=0.008， P=0.920). All patients were followed up 6-12 months after operation (mean, 9 months). There were 3 cases of urethral fistula, 2 cases of glans dehiscence, and 3 cases of urethral orifice stricture in observation group, with the incidence of complications of 7.8%. There were 7 cases of urethral fistula, 3 cases of glans dehiscence, and 4 cases of urethral orifice stricture in control group, with the incidence of complications of 15.9%. There was a significant difference in the incidence of complications between 2 groups ( χ ²=4.027, P=0.040). The appearance of the penis was satisfactory, and the urethral orifice was fissured, which was close to the appearance of the normal urethral orifice. At 3 months after operation, the maximal flow rates were (6.23 ± 0.54) mL/s in observation group and (5.44±0.92) mL/s in control group. There was significant difference in the maximum flow rate between 2 groups ( t=1.653, P=0.000).

Conclusion

Cavernosum reduction technology being applied in the repair of moderate-severe hypospadias can reduce the probability of glans dehiscence, urethral fistula, urethrostenosis, and other postoperative complications, and improve the success and satisfaction of surgery.

Age-related changes in urinary flow following dorsal inlay graft urethroplasty for hypospadias in early childhood: Potential improvement over 11 years of age

INTRODUCTION

One of the goals of hypospadias repair is to create a neourethra with normal urinary stream and normal growth. Several studies have reported that dorsal inlay graft urethroplasty (DIG) has wide indications for various clinical phenotypes of hypospadias, with good short-term outcomes and few complications. However, there have been no reports that evaluated both short-term and long-term functional outcomes using uroflowmetry in patients with DIG.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to investigate whether uroflowmetry parameters change with time following DIG for hypospadias in early childhood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Uroflowmetry parameters after DIG for hypospadias in childhood were retrospectively evaluated and compared between two defined ages at follow-up: 4-6 years and 11-13 years. Maximum urinary flow (Q_max) under the 25th percentile on the Miskolc nomogram was defined as obstruction. To evaluate the shapes of uroflow quantitatively, the flow index (FI) was used. The FI cut-offs for the flow shapes were defined as tower >1.253, plateaus <0.659; bells were between these two values.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. The median operative age was 1.8 years (range 1.0-4.9 years). The median follow-up time was 10.3 years (range 7.2-12.3 years). The mean ± SD Q_max at the two follow-up times increased with time, from 9.2 ± 3.7 to 18.8 ± 7.8. The mean ± SD FI changed from 0.53 ± 0.19 to 0.85 ± 0.31. Both Q_max and the FI were significantly improved (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). There were significantly fewer patients with obstruction evaluated by the Miskolc nomogram at 11-13 years of age (n = 11, 32.4%) than at 4-6 years (n = 31, 91.2%) (p < 0.001). Plateau shapes assessed by the FI were seen in 24 (70.6%) patients at 4-6 years and 10 (29.4%) patients at 11-13 years (Table). The number of patients with plateau shapes was significantly decreased (p = 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Only one report noted long-term outcomes and spontaneous uroflowmetry resolution after tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. The current report is the first to present the short-term and long-term uroflowmetry outcomes after DIG. In addition, the FI was used for the first time to evaluate uroflowmetry after hypospadias repair. It was found that the uroflowmetry parameters improved spontaneously over 11 years of age following DIG for hypospadias in early childhood.

CONCLUSION

Uroflowmetry parameters improved spontaneously over 11 years of age following DIG for hypospadias in early childhood.

Role of uroflowmetry before and after hypospadias repair

Aims:

To study the role of uroflowmetry in the preoperative and early postoperative period in children undergoing hypospadias repair.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-six cases undergoing hypospadias repair over 1 year (tubularized incised plate [TIP] Snodgrass [17 patients], TIP with Snodgraft [5 patients], Duckett's onlay flap [2 patients], and Duckett's tube [2 patients] urethroplasty) were prospectively evaluated with preoperative ultrasound and uroflowmetry and postoperative uroflowmetry at 3 months after the surgery and at 6 and 9 months interval if these dates fell within the study period on follow-up. The parameters studied were maximum flow rate (Q_max), average flow rate (Q_av), total voided volume, voiding time, and type of curve. Preoperative and postoperative uroflow data were compared.

Results:

Twenty-six cases comprised of anterior hypospadias (n = 8), mid penile (n = 11), and posterior hypospadias (n = 7). Fourteen patients had obstructed flow rates preoperatively. While 69% patients (18/26) had obstructed flow rates at 3 months postoperatively, it dropped to 43% at 9 months. Following TIP (Snodgrass) repair, 88% (15/17) had obstructed flow rates postoperatively. Best results were seen in patients undergoing circumferentially epithelialized urethral reconstruction (TIP with Snodgraft, Duckett's onlay flap, and Duckett's tube).

Conclusions:

Abnormal uroflow is an inherent aspect of hypospadias in 50% of the cases. Both preoperative and postoperative uroflow evaluation is necessary for meaningful conclusion. Patients with preoperative normal flow rates but obstructed postoperative flow rates need clinical evaluation. Obstructive flow rates are more common after TIP (Snodgrass) repair. The urinary flow rates improve with time.

Normalized Urinary Flow at Puberty after Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty for Hypospadias in Childhood

PURPOSE

An obstructive urinary flow pattern is frequently seen after tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for hypospadias. However, the significance of this finding has not been determined and long-term results are few. We describe postoperative long-term uroflowmetry results after puberty in males who underwent tubularized incised plate urethroplasty in childhood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 126 boys underwent tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for distal penile to mid shaft hypospadias at Queen Silvia Children's Hospital in Gothenburg between 1999 and 2003. Of the patients 48 were toilet trained at surgery. We report on 40 patients who had data available at 2 and 12 months postoperatively, 7 years postoperatively and at puberty (median age 15.0 years, range 13.7 to 17.1). Of the patients 31 had distal and 9 had mid penile hypospadias. Clinical examination, urinary medical history, uroflowmetry and ultrasound measuring residual urine were performed. Maximum urinary flow was correlated to age and voided volume, using Miskolc nomograms for comparison of percentiles.

RESULTS

At 1 year postoperatively 15 boys (37.5%) had normal urinary flow (above 25th percentile), compared to 16 (40%) at 7 years and 38 (95%) at puberty (p <0.0001). Improvement was significant in patients with distal (p <0.0001) and mid penile hypospadias (p = 0.008), as well as in patients who did (p = 0.0078) and did not undergo intervention (p <0.0001). During followup 5 patients underwent meatotomy due to obstructive symptoms and 4 underwent dilation. Three of these 9 patients had lichen sclerosus.

CONCLUSIONS

There is great potential for normalization of urinary flow at puberty for boys with hypospadias treated with tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. Unless symptoms occur, a conservative approach seems preferable.

Long-term functional outcomes of distal hypospadias repair: a single center retrospective comparative study of TIPs, Mathieu and MAGPI

INTRODUCTION

Tubularized Incised-Plate (TIP) urethroplasty is currently the preferred technique for distal hypospadias repair. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised on the long-term functionality of the reconstructed neourethra.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate long-term uroflowmetry parameters' evolution after TIP surgery over a long-term follow-up including the adolescent period. TIP patients were compared to normal children using established Miskolc nomograms, as well as to patients who underwent Mathieu and Meatal Advancement and Glanuloplasty (MAGPI) surgery repairs for distal hypospadias.

STUDY DESIGN

Files from patients who underwent primary distal hypospadias repair at our institution between January 1, 1997 and January 31, 2001 were reviewed. Only patients with documented serial postoperative uroflowmetry profiles at follow-up visits were included. Comparison between surgeries (TIP vs. Mathieu vs. MAGPI) was performed according to the following postoperative time interval endpoints: 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-24 months, 24-48 months, 4-6 years, 6-10 years and >10 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

153 patients met the inclusion criteria: 70 (43%) TIP, 24 (17%) Mathieu and 59 (35%) MAGPI. Overall, Qmax increases progressively according to time and age and in particular during the period covering adolescence with a similar trend regardless of the type of surgery. Uroflowmetry profiles in terms of Qmax, VV and PVR were equivalent between surgeries at each examined time point. At 10 years of follow-up postopertively, mean Qmax were 17.2 ml/s, 18.8 ml/s and 21.6 ml/s respectively with no significant difference detected between groups (p = 0.344). Compared to normal children when adjusted for voiding volume and BSA, the proportion of obstructive uroflowmetry patterns defined as Qmax< 5th percentile of nomograms was more prevalent in patients aged 2-7 years old at 60% but decreased to less than 10%in patients aged >13 years for all procedures combined (see abstract figure) but without detected differences between surgery types (p = 0.276).

DISCUSSION

After sub-optimal obstructive maximal urinary flows in the early postoperative period, hypospadias patients treated with TIP exhibit favourable long-term evolution with age and during adolescence in particular compared to normal children. In addition, a similar trend was found for patients treated with Mathieu and MAGPI with no significant differences detected between procedures. Nevertheless, because of the relatively small sample size we cannot exclude that a statistical difference between surgeries would have been detected if the study was adequately powered on every endpoint. Nevertheless and also as suggested by the values obtained, this potential difference may be quite small and not clinically relevant.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the obstructive urinary flow pattern observed in patients early on is possibly an intrinsic feature associated to the malformation itself and may be less of a consequence of the surgical technique.

Is it safe to solely use ventral penile tissues in hypospadias repair? Long-term outcomes of 578 Duplay urethroplasties performed in a single institution over a period of 14 years

OBJECTIVES

Urethral plate tubulization (Thiersch-Duplay procedure) is a widespread procedure mostly used for distal hypospadias. Concerns of long-term outcome have led to this review of the results of a series of 578 cases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of 578 patients treated in a single institution following the same procedure and with the same follow-up. Most patients had distal hypospadias (517/578) and were operated on between 12 and 24 months of age (343 patients). The mean follow-up was 25.6 months (6 months-17 years). Evaluation was focused on urethral complications related to inadequate healing of the reconstructed urethra (fistula, urethral dehiscence, urethral stenosis and clinical dysuria). Complications were arbitrarily categorized into early (when occurring less than one year after surgery) and late (after one year). All data were submitted to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 578 patients, 153 (26.5%) had unsatisfactory outcomes, of which 118 (20.4%) had inadequate urethral healing. Of these, 97 appeared early (57%) and 73 appeared late (43%). Fistula and dehiscence were significantly more frequent in the first post-operative year (p<0.0001), whereas stenosis of the reconstructed urethra was more frequent after one year. Follow-up and age at last consultation were significantly higher in patients with complications. Limits and flaws of this study focused on the absence of consensus on evaluation of hypospadias surgery. The paucity of literature on long-term outcomes of urethral plate tubulization was highlighted. A possible explanation of late stenosis of the reconstructed urethra was the poor growth capacity of the dysplastic tissues located beyond the division of the corpus spongiosum. Urethroplasties solely using ventral tissues may represent an additional risk of late failure, as they may not grow with the rest of the genital tubercle.

CONCLUSION

Significant short and late complications occur with techniques tubularizing the urethral plate, mostly fistulae in the first post-operative year and urethral stenosis after 1 year following surgery. Urethroplasties using ventral tissues may not grow at the same pace as the rest of the genital tubercle and may explain late urethral dysfunction. This series confirms the necessity of long-term follow-up of hypospadias reconstructions.

Urethral plate grafting improves the results of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty in primary hypospadias

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a competitive efficacy trial in order to examine whether grafting the raw area of the urethral plate (UP) with inner preputial skin in children with primary hypospadias (PH) during tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIP) improves the results of the operation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients with pathology ranging from glanular to proximal penile PH were randomized into two groups, comparable for age and pathology, to be operated on either with TIP or a grafted TIP (G-TIP) procedure. Three patients failed the re-examination protocol, so the TIP group comprised 23 children aged 9.0 months-9.6 years (mean age 3.4 years) and the G-TIP group comprised 24 children, aged 10.0 months-9.4 years (mean 3.5 years). The patients were followed up for a period of 2-5 years (mean 3.2 years).

RESULTS

Within the TIP group, we observed the development of fistula with concomitant neourethral stenosis in two cases (8.7%), stenosis without fistula in four (17.4%), and glans dehiscence in one case (4.35%). Within the G-TIP group there was one case of fistula without stenosis (4.16%), no case of neourethral stenosis, and one case of glans dehiscence (4.16%). Two cases of non-slit-like meatus were observed in the TIP group. The results show that the complications of neourethral stenosis are significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the G-TIP group, as is the total number of complications and unsatisfactory results. The duration of the TIP operation was 72-110 (mean 92) min, and for the G-TIP 100-136 (mean 115) min. No postoperative symptoms were observed that could be attributed to prolonged anesthesia time.

CONCLUSION

UP grafting with inner preputial skin, when added to the TIP procedure in the treatment of PH, results in a significantly smaller number of unsatisfactory results, and particularly fewer cases of neourethral stenosis. G-TIP can be used as the procedure of choice in PH patients.

Distal extension of the midline urethral-plate incision in the Snodgrass hypospadias repair: An objective assessment of the functional and cosmetic outcomes

Objectives

To objectively assess the functional and cosmetic outcomes of a modified tubularised incised-plate (TIP) urethroplasty (Snodgrass) technique, with particular attention to the uroflowmetry study and Hypospadias Objective Scoring Evaluation (HOSE) score.

Patients and methods

In a prospective case-series study, 43 consecutive patients with primary distal hypospadias were evaluated. The modified Snodgrass technique included an extension of the midline relaxing incision of the urethral plate from within the hypospadiac meatus to the very tip of the glans. The neourethra was tubularised starting at the neomeatus and proceeding proximally. The neourethra was covered with either a single or double dartos flap. In toilet-trained boys, at least 3 months after surgery, the flow pattern, maximum (Q_max), and mean urinary flow rate (Q_ave) were recorded, and the results plotted against a recently published flow-rate nomogram from normal children. The postvoid residual urine volume was measured using ultrasonography. The cosmetic outcome was assessed using the HOSE system.

Results

The native meatus was coronal in 11 (26%), subcoronal in 23 (53%) and distal penile in nine (21%) of the patients. The median (range) age was 4.2 (0.5–14) years. The neourethra was covered by a single dorsal dartos flap in 25 and a double dartos flap in 18 patients. At a median (range) follow-up of 6 (3–24) months, the uroflowmetry findings in 26 uncomplicated toilet-trained boys with a median (range) age of 5.2 (3.3–14) years showed an abnormal Q_max below the fifth percentile in four (15%), with the Q_ave above the fifth percentile in all. The flow pattern was bell-shaped in nine boys (35%), interrupted/intermittent in five (19%), slightly flattened in 10 (39%) and a plateau in two (8%). A vertical slit-like meatus located at the distal glans was created in 39 (91%) boys, and at the proximal glans in four (9%). The urinary stream was single and straight in 39 and angled in four patients. A straight erection was observed in 42 (98%) boys. Four patients had preoperative mild penile torsion of <45°, that was corrected by surgery. The mean (SD, range) HOSE score was 15.8 (0.6, 13–16). Two patients had a small, single subcoronal fistula.

Conclusion

Extending the midline urethral plate-incision in the modified Snodgrass repair to the apical part of the glans can be done safely with a high rate of locating the neomeatus at the glans tip, with no resultant meatal stenosis. The functional and cosmetic results of the procedure are good, but long-term data and comparative studies are required to confirm these results.

Assessment of outcome in hypospadias surgery - a review

Hypospadias is a challenging field of urogenital reconstructive surgery with different techniques being currently used. Modern surgery claims that it is possible to create a functionally and cosmetically normal penis. Continuous re-evaluation and assessment of outcome may have a major impact on future clinical practice. Assessment of outcome includes: complication rate, cosmetic appearance of the penis, functional outcome (micturition, sexuality), and psychological factors such as quality of life and psychosexual life. This article briefly reviews current strategies of outcome assessment. Somehow in the future, we will be able to give an accurate estimation of the long-term consequences of being born with hypospadias.

Which type of urethroplasty in failed hypospadias repair? An 8-year follow up

OBJECTIVE

To report our 8-year follow up for redo hypospadias repair.

METHODS

A total of 56 patients with previous failed hypospadias repair were included in our study. Patients' data were analyzed regarding age, number of previous repairs, meatal location, procedure performed, operative time and complications. Patients were followed up for 3 to 102 (mean 52) months.

RESULTS

Patient age ranged from 15 to 204 (mean 90.7) months. Forty-two patients had a single previous hypospadias repair, eleven had two previous repairs and three had four previous repairs. Of the 56 patients, 16 underwent oral mucosal graft urethroplasty, 15 onlay island flap, 14 parameatal flap, 10 tubularized incised plate urethroplasty, and 1 tubularized preputial flap. Complications were encountered in 16 (28.5%) patients in the form of graft contracture in 3, meatal stenosis in 2, urethral stricture in 2 including the patient with tubularized flap, urethra-cutaneous fistula in 7, bleeding in 1 and skin disruption in 1. The final complication rate was 25%.

CONCLUSIONS

Decision making in redo hypospadias surgery depends mainly on local tissue availability and the degree of tissue scarring. The characteristics of oral mucosal graft make it suitable for urethroplasty in the absence of local donor tissues. A long-term follow up for redo hypospadias repair is required to assess the late neourethral stricture and residual penile curvature.

Age of patient is a risk factor for urethrocutaneous fistula in hypospadias surgery

OBJECTIVE

There is still much debate regarding the effect that age at hypospadias operation has on the rate of complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether patient age is a risk factor for surgical complications when using the tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty technique.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2011, 307 pediatric patients with distal or mid-penile hypospadias underwent the TIP procedure. Demographic and surgical data were evaluated.

RESULTS

The complications recorded across all age groups were: fistula, meatal stenosis, glans dehiscence and urethral stenosis. Fistula was the most frequent complication in 10-14 year olds compared to the younger patient groups, and this difference was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Age and surgical technique should be taken into consideration when planning hypospadias surgery, since the complication rate increases with patient age. The TIP technique is a safe procedure with a low rate of fistula formation in distal and mid-penile hypospadias repair for patients of any age during the prepubertal period.

"Snodgraft" technique for the treatment of primary distal hypospadias: pushing the envelope

PURPOSE

"Snodgraft" modification has been proposed to reduce the risk of meatal/neourethral stenosis in distal hypospadias. We applied the Snodgraft technique by using inner preputial graft in primary distal hypospadias repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 102 consecutive patients undergoing the Snodgraft procedure were prospectively studied between 2006 and 2011. Mean patient age was 7.2 years. Localization of the meatus was glanular in 5 patients, coronal in 49, subcoronal in 45 and mid penile in 3. In all patients the posterior urethral plate was incised, and the graft harvested from the inner prepuce was sutured from the old meatus to the tip of the glans. A neourethra was created over a urethral catheter using 6-zero polyglactin suture. An interpositional flap was laid over the urethra as a second barrier. All patients were followed at 3 to 6-month intervals for cosmetic and functional results.

RESULTS

At a mean of 2.4 years of followup no patient had meatal stenosis or diverticulum at the inlay graft site. However, urethrocutaneous fistula was observed in 10 patients (9.8%). A slit-like appearance of neomeatus was achieved in all patients. During followup no obstructive urinary flow pattern was detected, and early and long-term maximum urine flow rates were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

No meatal/neourethral stenosis was observed in any patient undergoing a Snodgraft procedure. A randomized trial will be needed to prove that the incidence of meatal/neourethral stenosis is lower after Snodgraft repair compared to routine tubularized incised plate repair.