2-octyl cyanoacrylate versus reintervention for closure of urethrocutaneous fistulae after urethroplasty for hypospadias: a randomized controlled trial

Role of Long-Chain Cyanoacrylate as an Adjunct Interposition Layer in Repair of Hypospadias and Urethrocutaneous Fistula in Children: A Novel Technique

Purpose Hypospadias is an anomaly wherein the urethral opening is ectopically located on the ventral aspect of the penis. The most common complications after hypospadias repair are urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) and meatal stenosis. Long Chain Cyanoacrylate (LCCA) tissue adhesive promises safety, feasibility, and durability due to its tensile strength and bacteriostatic and hemostatic properties. We conducted this study to ascertain whether LCCA tissue adhesive can prove a more effective adjunct to traditional suturing techniques. Methods Patients were divided into two groups. Group A underwent surgery with conventional reconstruction of the neourethral tube along with the buttressing layer using Buck's fascia or Tunica Vaginalis. In addition to the traditional procedure of Group A, Group B patients were administered a layer of LCCA tissue adhesive as an adjunct between the neourethral suture line and the buttressing layer. Patients were followed up for six months and were evaluated for complications like UCF, meatal stenosis, hematoma, skin infection, glans dehiscence, and flap necrosis. Results Thirty-eight children in the age group 1-6 years were studied, of which 20 were in Group A and 18 in Group B. Among patients of Group A seven (35%) developed complications. In contrast, only four (22.2%) patients developed complications in Group B. The statistical significance in the complication rates between the two groups could not be achieved due to the modest sample size. However, the numerical and proportional reduction in the number of complications was noted. Conclusion LCCA adhesive as an adjunct numerically reduces the number of complications compared to traditional suturing alone in patients undergoing surgery for hypospadias and UCF.

Assessing Alternative Approaches for Wound Closure in a National Pediatric Learning Health System

INTRODUCTION

Our objective was to perform a feasibility study using real-world data from a learning health system (LHS) to describe current practice patterns of wound closure and explore differences in outcomes associated with the use of tissue adhesives and other methods of wound closure in the pediatric surgical population to inform a potentially large study.

METHODS

A multi-institutional cross-sectional study was performed of a random sample of patients <18 y-old who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy, open or laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, umbilical hernia repair, or repair of traumatic laceration from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. Sociodemographic and operative characteristics were obtained from 6 PEDSnet (a national pediatric LHS) children's hospitals and OneFlorida Clinical Research Consortium (a PCORnet collaboration across 14 academic health systems). Additional clinical data elements were collected via chart review.

RESULTS

Of the 692 patients included, 182 (26.3%) had appendectomies, 155 (22.4%) inguinal hernia repairs, 163 (23.6%) umbilical hernia repairs, and 192 (27.8%) traumatic lacerations. Of the 500 surgical incisions, sutures with tissue adhesives were the most frequently used (n = 211, 42.2%), followed by sutures with adhesive strips (n = 176, 35.2%), and sutures only (n = 72, 14.4%). Most traumatic lacerations were repaired with sutures only (n = 127, 64.5%). The overall wound-related complication rate was 3.0% and resumption of normal activities was recommended at a median of 14 d (interquartile ranges 14-14).

CONCLUSIONS

The LHS represents an efficient tool to identify cohorts of pediatric surgical patients to perform comparative effectiveness research using real-world data to support medical and surgical products/devices in children.

Effect of Haematological Parameters in the Development of Urethrocutaneous Fistula After Hypospadias Surgery

Investigation of the relationship between urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) development and haematological parameters after hypospadias surgery was aimed for in this study. Patients who underwent tubularized incised plate urethroplasty between January 2015 and June 2021 with the diagnosis of distal hypospadias were included in the study. We divided the participants into two groups based on UCF development. We compared haematological parameters, including neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts; neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR); platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR); and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) values between the two groups. A total of 78 patients were included in the study. Of the patients, 11 developed UCF. The mean age of the patients was 74.9 ± 42.8 months. Catheter diameter, operation time, neutrophil counts, NLR, and SII values were similar between those with and without UCF (p > 0.05). However, the UCF group had significantly higher lymphocyte and platelet counts than those without UCF (p < 0.05). Moreover, the PLR value was significantly lower in the UCF group (p < 0.05). Patients who developed UCF post hypospadias surgery had a significant association with altered blood cell counts, including increased lymphocytes and decreased PLR rate. The PLR can be used as a biological marker for UCF development.

Looking beyond the dartos fascia and tunica vaginalis: reviewing the stance of common adjuvant covering biomaterials in hypospadiology

Hypospadias, one of the commonest congenital anomalies in boys, can have a spectrum of clinical presentation based on the location of the meatus and the presence of chordee. The surgical repair of hypospadias involves great precision, especially in proximal varieties and redo/complex cases of hypospadias. Hypospadiologists have put in tremendous efforts to improve the outcomes of these children. The utilization of adjuvant biomaterials is one such effort that has gained significant attention over the recent years. Biomaterials are used to cover the urethral suture line in instances where the ideal covering agents (dartos fascia and tunica vaginalis) are unavailable. We reviewed the mechanism of action, current stance, and advantages/disadvantages of three commonly used adjuvant agents, i.e. autologous platelet concentrates, tissue glues, and acellular dermal matrixes. Although individual studies have highlighted the therapeutic benefits of these adjuvants, the available literature has a limited level of evidence. Moreover, it is believed that the application procedure of these covering agents needs to be scrutinized in future studies. In addition, it is suggested that the application of any covering agent right up to the meatus is non-anatomical and redundant. Well-designed randomized controlled trials with a uniform application procedure and comparing different covering agents need to be conducted in the future before any definite conclusion is drawn.

Can sealing promote healing?: A systematic review and meta-analysis highlighting the adjunctive role of tissue sealant application during urethroplasty for hypospadias

BACKGROUND

A significant proportion of children require multiple surgeries for successful repair of hypospadias. This is not only a source of a financial burden to the family but also causes long-term social and psychosexual issues. Tissue sealant application can provide additional coverage to the suture line and subsequently prevents operative failure. However, a consensus statement regarding its usage during urethroplasty is lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the outcomes of hypospadias surgery, in terms of its complications, in children with and without tissue sealant application.

METHOD

The authors systematically searched the databases PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus through September 2020. The occurrence of overall complications, and specific complications (including urethrocutaneous fistula, wound-related complications, flap-related complications, complications involving the neo-urethral tube and meatal stenosis) were the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using a random-effects model, and pooled risk ratio (RR) and heterogeneity (I²) were calculated. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed utilizing the Downs and Black scale.

RESULT

Four comparative studies were included in the meta-analysis. The different types of tissue sealants such as fibrin glue, cyanoacrylate glue, BioGlue and cryocalcium glue were used in these studies. As compared to without sealant application, hypospadias repair performed with sealant application showed no significant difference in the incidence of overall postoperative complications (RR 0.63; 95% CI 0.34-1.14, p = 0.13). However, a significant reduction in some specific complications including urethrocutaneous fistula (RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.19-0.72, p = 0.003), wound-related complications (RR 0.57; 95% CI 0.38-0.86, p = 0.008) and complications involving the neo-urethra (RR 0.15; 95% CI 0.04-0.54, p = 0.004) was observed with sealant usage. The average Downs and Black scale scores ranged from 16 to 18, with all studies having a moderate risk of bias. Kappa statistics showed a value of 0.962 (p < 0.001), highlighting an almost perfect agreement among the two observers.

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis revealed no additional benefit of the repair of hypospadias performed with tissue sealants as compared to without sealants in terms of reducing the overall postoperative complications. However, a significant reduction in the occurrence of some specific complications, including UCF, wound-related complications and complications involving the neourethra was observed with sealant application. The level of evidence of the published comparative studies is limited. Therefore, further studies need to be conducted for optimal comparison between the sealant and no sealant (or placebo), and different types of sealants.

Efficacy of fibrin sealant as waterproof cover in improving outcome in hypospadias surgery

BACKGROUND

This prospective comparative study aims to assess the efficacy of fibrin sealant to improve outcomes in paediatric patients operated for hypospadias.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty consecutive patients with hypospadias were randomised into two groups of twenty patients each. The first group underwent hypospadias repair, technique depending on the type of hypospadias, whereas in the second group, fibrin sealant was used to reinforce the urethroplasty. Assessment was done with respect to the type of hypospadias, type of repair done, operative time, immediate post-operative complications (early ooze and skin flap-related complications), intermediate complications (urethra-cutaneous fistula) and delayed post-operative complications (penile torsion and poor cosmetic outcome) at follow-up. We also compared the overall improvement in outcome among the two groups.

RESULTS

First Group: The mean operative time was 1 h and 45 min. Complications were seen in nine patients: Early ooze (n = 2); skin flap-related complications (n = 3); fistula (n = 7); poor cosmetic outcome (n = 7) and penile torsion (n = 4). Second Group (Fibrin Sealant): The mean operative time was 1 h and 30 min. Post-operative complications were observed in five patients: Coronal fistula (n = 3) and poor cosmetic outcome (n = 3). On comparing, the differences in outcomes of ooze, skin flap-related complications and torsion were found to be statistically significant with P < 0.05. The differences in the urethra-cutaneous fistula and cosmetic appearance were not found to be statistically significant. The difference in overall improvement in complications was found to be statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Fibrin sealant, when applied over the urethroplasty suture line as a waterproof cover, may help to improve the outcome in patients with hypospadias.

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

Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

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

Risk factors for failed urethrocutaneous fistula repair after transverse preputial island flap urethroplasty in pediatric hypospadias

OBJECTIVES

We review our experience in urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) repair after transverse preputial island flap urethroplasty (Duckett) in pediatric hypospadias to investigate the risk factors for unsuccessful outcome.

METHODS

Two hundred and nineteen UCFs repairs conducted in our center from January 2015 to December 2016 after Duckett technique were retrospectively reviewed and 182 had a follow-up for more than 6 months. The age of patients, size, localization and numbers of UCFs, interval time of two operations, length of neourethra, times of UCFs repairs, complications other than UCFs, hospital of primary surgery and postoperative infection were analyzed as potential risk factors. Stratified analysis and assessment of additive interaction were performed to have a better understanding of the relation between the risk factors. Logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

UCF repairs were succeeded in 121 (66.5%) and failed in 61 (33.5%) at first operation. In the univariate analysis, size and numbers of UCFs (P = 0.01 and P = 0.035, respectively), interval time of two operations (P = 0.042) and hospital of primary surgery (P = 0.02) were statistically related with the outcome. In the multivariate analysis, UCF ≥ 2 (OR 2.71, 95%, CI 1.095-6.692, P = 0.031), size ≥ 2 mm (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.267-4.757, P = 0.08) and primary surgery not at our hospital (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.094-4.126, P = 0.026) were identified as independent risk factors for unsuccessful outcome. In the stratified analysis, multiplicative interaction between the 3 risk factors was not found.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that UCF repairs after transverse preputial island flap urethroplasty were easier to fail if the UCF was ≥ 2 mm, the numbers of UCFs was ≥ 2, or the surgeon had less experience. The age of patients, site of UCFs, interval time of two operations, length of neourethra, times of UCFs repairs, complications other than UCF and postoperative infection were not significantly related to the success rate of UCF repair.