Comparative outcomes among inlay grafted incised plate, onlay preputial flap and tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for the repair of distal penile hypospadias with a narrow urethral plate

PURPOSE

We conducted this study, comparing the outcomes among Transverse Onlay Island Flap, inlay grafted incised plate and our previous records of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) in patients with narrow urethral plates, aiming to determine which method of repair provides a good outcome.

METHODS

This hybrid study included two datasets. The first from a prospective randomized study evaluating outcomes of two treatment modalities; Inlay graft and only flap for distal hypospadias with shallow urethral plate with 80 patients (40 patients in each group) included, the second based on our previous records of TIPU in 40 patients with distal primary hypospadias with narrow urethral plate.

RESULTS

The success rate in inlay graft urethroplasty group (n = 40) was 87.5%; glandular dehiscence occurred in one case (2.5%), fistulas occurred in 2 cases (5%), and narrow meatus occurred in two cases (5%). Success rate in onlay flap urethroplasty group (n = 40) was 82.5%; glandular dehiscence occurred in two cases (5%), fistulas occurred in two cases (5%), and narrow meatus occurred in three cases (7.5%). TIPU group (n = 40) had success rate of 62.5%; glandular dehiscence occurred in eight cases (20%), fistulas occurred in five cases (12.5%), and narrow meatus occurred in seven cases (17.5%), with five cases exhibiting both narrow meatus with fistula.

CONCLUSION

Inlay graft and onlay flap urethroplasty for repair of distal penile hypospadias with narrow urethral plate had higher success rate and fewer complications than traditional TIPU. Moreover, operative time was shorter in TIPU.

Incidence of urethrocutaneous fistula following distal hypospadias repair with and without caudal epidural block: A randomized pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Recent investigations have raised a doubt regarding the safety of Caudal epidural block (CEB) administered to children with distal hypospadias undergoing tubularised incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty. The primary objective of the study was to investigate whether there is any association between CEB and the occurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) in the postoperative period.

METHODS

Fifty ASA 1 and 2 children with distal hypospadias aged 0-8 years were randomly allocated to CEB group (GA with CEB, 0.2% ropivacaine 1 ml/kg; n = 25) and Non-CEB group (GA without CEB; n = 25). Penile measurements were taken before and 20 min after administration of CEB to assess penile engorgement. Intraoperative hemodynamics were recorded at 10 min intervals after induction of anaesthesia. Consumption of IV fentanyl intraoperatively and postoperatively in first 24 h was recorded in both the groups. Rescue analgesia was administered for a score >4 on FLACC scale. After surgery children were followed up monthly for first three months and then at 6-months and yearly in paediatric surgery OPD to assess for development of UCF.

RESULTS

UCF was found to occur in only two children, one from each group on follow up, with an overall incidence of 4%. There was no difference in the incidence of UCF in the patients with and without CEB. A 26.8% increase in penile volume from baseline was recorded in CEB group (P = 0.000). The intraoperative heart rate and mean arterial pressure was significantly lower in the CEB group as compared to non CEB group at various time intervals. No additional intraoperative IV fentanyl supplementation was required in CEB group. Fentanyl consumption was significantly less in CEB group postoperatively in first 24 h (P = 0.000).

DISCUSSION

Administration of CEB was not found to have any impact on UCF formation. No relationship between the increase in penile volume after CEB block and occurrence of UCF was noticed.

CONCLUSION

Despite increase in penile volume after CEB, there was no difference between the two groups as regards to the occurrence of post operative UCF. CEB is an effective analgesic modality and can be continued to be used till the results of well powered prospective randomised trials with long follow up are reported.

Medium-term outcome after stented and un-stented distal urethroplasty: A retrospective analysis on redo-urethroplasty need and cosmetic results

INTRODUCTION

Long-term complication rates after distal hypospadias repair can be close to 20%. There are no available guidelines regarding the need for a catheter in distal urethroplasty. We report a retrospective analysis on medium-term redo-urethroplasty rate and cosmetic results after a two-years pilot study on stented/un-stented distal urethroplasties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 11 stented (Group A) and 17 un-stented (Group B) Snodgrass-procedures were performed by the same pediatric surgeon at our Institution (2011-2013). The median age at surgery was 2.1 years (range 1-8.5). Inclusion criteria were primitive distal defect, same surgeon in both interventions, catheter-free discharge. The median follow-up was 6.4 years (range 1.5-8.1). All patients received at least one post-operative clinical-cosmetic examination (HOSE). The aim of our study was to compare medium-term complications and redo-urethroplasty rates before starting a randomized study. A retrospective analysis was performed. We used Fisher's exact-test (P < 0.05) for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Of 28 complications, 5 required redo-surgery: 2/11 stented-cases, 3/17 un-stented. Cosmetic results were satisfactory in both groups. These results were not statistically significant (P = 1.000).

CONCLUSION

Long-term follow-up is mandatory to know redo-urethroplasty rate and cosmetic outcome after distal stented/un-stented repair. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of catheter placement and the definitive outcome in distal urethroplasty.

circumcision: A norm related study

PURPOSE

We assessed self-reported outcomes after the onset of puberty in patients undergoing tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair in combination with preputial reconstruction (PR) or circumcision for primary distal hypospadias, in comparison to normal controls.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Out of 498 patients undergoing primary distal hypospadias repairs between 2001 and 2012, 83 underwent TIP repair associated with PR or circumcision before age 10-year, and had a Tanner stage ≥2 at study. Outcomes were assessed by online self-administration of validated questionnaires and additional non-validated questions. Results were compared between patients undergoing TIP repair vs. normal age-matched controls (healthy volunteers), and, between patients undergoing PR vs. circumcision.

RESULTS

Forty-one of the 83 eligible patients completed the study (response rate 49.3%). Of these, 26 had undergone PR. Median post-operative follow-up was 11.8 (range 6.5-16.2) years. The control group included 45 healthy boys. Comparing groups, there were no statistically significant differences in the cosmetic aspect of the penis, patient perception of penile appearance, and quality of life. Irrespective of preputial management, patients reported fear of being teased for the appearance of their genitalia much more commonly than controls (p = 0.02), but this did not affect their relationship patterns and quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Self-reported outcomes after the onset of puberty were not significantly different between patients undergoing primary TIP repair of distal hypospadias in childhood and normal controls. Patients were significantly more commonly feared of being teased for their genital appearance, but this did not interfere with their social skills. Preputial management, namely PR vs. circumcision, did not affect the outcome.

Medium-term outcome after stented and un-stented distal urethroplasty: A retrospective analysis on redo-urethroplasty need and cosmetic results

INTRODUCTION

Long-term complication rates after distal hypospadias repair can be close to 20%. There are no available guidelines regarding the need of a catheter in distal urethroplasty. We report a retrospective analysis on medium-term redo-urethroplasty rate and cosmetic results after a two-year pilot study on stented/un-stented distal urethroplasties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 11 stented (Group A) and 17 un-stented (Group B) Snodgrass-procedures were performed by one pediatric surgeon at our Institution (2011-2013). The median age at surgery was 2.1 years (range 1-8.5). Inclusion criteria were primitive distal defect, same surgeon in both interventions, catheter-free discharge. The median follow-up was 6.4 years (range 1.5-8.1). All patients received at least one post-operative clinical-cosmetic examination (HOSE). The aim of our study was to compare medium-term complications and redo-urethroplasty rates before starting a randomized study. A retrospective analysis was performed. We used Fisher's exact-test (P<0.05) for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Of 28 complications, 5 required redo-surgery: 2/11 stented-cases, 3/17 un-stented. Cosmetic results were satisfactory in both groups. These results were not statistically significant (P=1.000).

CONCLUSION

Long-term follow-up is mandatory to know redo-urethroplasty rate and cosmetic outcome after distal stented/un-stented repair. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of catheter placement and the definitive outcome in distal urethroplasty.

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.

Penile nerve block predicts higher revision surgery rate following distal hypospadias repair when compared with caudal epidural block: A consecutive cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Recent literature has suggested caudal epidural blocks (CEB) may increase revision surgery rates following hypospadias repair. We sought to investigate this using a large, multi-surgeon series.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to identify the impact of CEB or penile nerve blocks (PNB) on revision surgery rates following distal hypospadias repair at our centre.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospectively maintained database of consecutive patients undergoing primary hypospadias repairs under the supervision of 8 different paediatric surgeons at our centre between January 2015 and December 2018 was queried for the following potential risk factors: Age at surgery, American Society of Anaesthesiologist's (ASA) grade, hypospadias type, type of surgery, CEB or PNB, and training level of primary surgeon. Revision surgery was defined as reoperation for fistulas, dehiscence, strictures or meatal stenosis. Univariate and Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

188 patients underwent primary distal hypospadias repair over the study time period. Patients were aged between 7 months and 15 years of age. Median age at surgery was 14 months. Revision surgery was performed for 31 patients (16.5%). Indications were urethrocutaneous fistula (n = 17, 9.0%), meatal stenosis or stricture (n = 9, 4.8%) and glans dehiscence (n = 5, 2.7%). 114 (60.6%) received a penile block and 74 (39.4%) a caudal block. On univariate analysis, PNB (HR 2.55 95% CI 1.04-6.27, p = 0.04) was statistically significant for revision surgery. This association remained significant on multivariate analysis (HR 2.74 95% CI 1.09-6.92, p = 0.03). All other prognostic factors examined were not statistically significant for revision surgery.

DISCUSSION

Our findings suggest PNB are associated with higher revision surgery rates following distal hypospadias repair. This contrasts with the findings of other authors.

CONCLUSION

Our study is the first to demonstrate an association between PNB and higher revision surgery rates following distal hypospadias repair.

Outcomes of preputioplasty in patients undergoing TIP urethroplasty (tubularization of incised urethral plate) for distal and mid penile hypospadias

BACKGROUND

Preputioplasty as a part of hypospadias repair restores the normal appearance of phallus, which is especially important in distal and mid penile hypospadias. However possibility of its inherent complications such as iatrogenic phimosis or preputial breakdown are the cause of controversy and reluctance regarding this procedure.This study evaluates the results of preputial reconstruction with TIP urethroplasty in distal and mid penile hypospadias repair and analyses if preputioplasty may be offered to these patients.

MATERIALS & METHODS

In this prospective observational study, 48 cases of distal and mid penile hypospadias underwent TIP urethroplasty and preputioplasty and results were assessed at 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. Major complications included preputial dehiscence, tight prepuce (iatrogenic phimosis) and minor complications included ventral tethering, persistent dorsal whorls and redundant prepuce. Data was analysed with Microsoft Excel spreadsheet where descriptive statistics were obtained.

RESULTS

Preputioplasty was performed in 48 children with a mean age of 5.1 years. Preputioplasty dehiscence was seen in three (6%) patients, which gave an appearance of irregular prepuce on 6 m follow up. Two patients (4%) were confirmed to have preputial tightness at 3 months but this resolved conservatively in one patient and only one patient (2%) required circumcision for a tight prepuce. Minor complications included ventral tethering, persistence of dorsal whorls and redundant prepuce. Ventral tethering was present in 3 patients (6.25%). Redundant prepuce was observed in 2 patients (4.16%). Additionally, unsightly dorsal whorls were found to be persistent in 2 children (4.16%). None of these patients opted for circumcision. The rest of the children had a cosmetically and functionally normal prepuce. Two patients (4%) developed urethrocutaneous fistula at 3 months' follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Preputial reconstruction is feasible with a good cosmetic outcome and minimal complications in patients of distal and mid penile hypospadias undergoing TIP urethroplasty. Mild preputial tightness evolves over time and resolves with conservative measures. In patients with very prominent dorsal whorls and underlying bulky tissues the preputioplasty does not appear to be of satisfactory cosmesis. To help the patient and parents take a well informed decision, it would be useful to explain all possible major and minor foreskin complications, and their rectification.

An epidermal cyst of the penis after distal hypospadias surgery: a case report

Background

Epidermoid cyst is a benign tumor that can occur anywhere in the body but is rarely seen in the penis. Congenital and previous penile surgeries have been reported to be involved in the etiology of the disease, which is usually asymptomatic. Here we describe a case of a patient with a penile epidermoid cyst, which occurred in the circumcision line on the left side of his penis, and urethral dehiscence following hypospadias surgery.

Case summary

A 3-year-old white boy who underwent primary distal hypospadias surgery 1.5 years ago presented with a slowly growing mass in the left ventrolateral portion of the penile circumcision line and urethral dehiscence. The histology of the excised mass revealed an epidermal inclusion cyst. Since then, he has remained healthy.

Conclusions

Epidermal inclusion cyst as a complication of hypospadias surgery is a very rare situation. The diagnosis is made histologically and surgical excision is sufficient for treatment.

Foreskin reconstruction vs circumcision in distal hypospadias

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to determine if there were differences in the complication rates between foreskin reconstruction (FR) and circumcision (CIRC) in distal hypospadias repairs. The primary outcomes were urethrocutaneous fistula (UF) and dehiscence.

METHODS

The data of distal hypospadias operated between 2005 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were any distal hypospadias repair that required an urethroplasty. The exclusion criteria were follow-up <1 year, redo procedures, chordee greater than 20°, and incomplete data. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed on the results.

RESULTS

213 patients were included (95 FR and 118 CIRC). The 2 groups were comparable for age at surgery 19.32 months in FR and 14.25 months in CIRC. Mathieu repair was more common in FR (47/95-49.47%) than in CIRC (45/118-38.14%). The total subsequent procedures required were 23 in FR and 57 in CIRC. The incidence of UF was 6.3% (6/95) in FR and 27.1% (32/118) in CIRC (p < 0.001, OR 5.52, 95% CI 2.2-13.9). Complete dehiscence rates were 3.16% (3/95) FR vs 11.02% (13/118) for CIRC (p = 0.037, OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.05-13.74). The incidence of patients requiring reoperation was 18.9% (18/95) in FR versus 45.8% (54/118) in CIRC (p < 0.001, OR 3.61, 95% CI 1.93-6.76).

CONCLUSIONS

Foreskin Reconstruction conferred a significantly lower rate of complications, particularly the UF rate, dehiscence rate, and number of patients that required reoperation. Our rate of complications in the CIRC group is much higher than other published data.

Eccentric circummeatal based flap with limited urethral mobilization: An easy technique for distal hypospadias repair

BACKGROUND

Hypospadias is a common congenital anomaly. Over 300 techniques have been described for repairing hypospadias.

OBJECTIVE

Eccentric circummeatal based flap with combined limited urethral mobilization technique (ECMB-LUM) is a simple procedure to repair distal hypospadias with minimal complication rate. This study presents results of this technique, highlighting surgical pitfalls to achieve the best result.

STUDY DESIGN

Medical records of patients with distal hypospadias operated on using the same technique between 1998 and 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Age at surgery, position of meatus preoperatively and postoperatively, duration of urethral catheterization and hospitalization, early and late complications, previous hypospadias repairs, and secondary surgical interventions were evaluated. In the surgical technique an eccentric circummeatal based flap is outlined. The proximal part of the flap is dissected from the underlying urethra and Buck's fascia. If the flap is not long enough, the distal urethra is mobilized a few millimeters (Figure). The eccentric flap is sutured to the tip of the glans. The glans wings are approximated in the midline. A urethral catheter of 6 Fr or 8 Fr is passed and left in the bulbous urethra or the urinary bladder. Diverged limbs of corpus spongiosum are approximated on the urethra, then, the glans and skin of the penile shaft are sutured.

RESULTS

Of the 171 consecutive patients operated on using the ECMB-LUM technique; 115 had coronal, 47 had subcoronal, and nine had glanular meatus. The mean age at surgery was 4.5 (1-17) years. Patients were hospitalized for 2.2 ± 0.7 days. Mean duration of urethral catheterization was 2.3 ± 0.5 days. All but eight patients had ECBF-LUM as primary repair. There were no early complications such as bleeding, hematoma, and wound infection. All patients voided spontaneously after catheter removal. Late complications were meatal stenosis, urethrocutaneous fistula, meatal regression, and glandular dehiscence (Table). These patients were treated using dilatation, fistula repair, meatoplasty, and secondary repair with the same technique, respectively. Eventually all patients had a vertical slit-like meatus on the tip of a natural looking glans.

DISCUSSION

The most commonly used distal hypospadias repair techniques are glanular approximation, meatal advancement and glanuloplasty, Koff, Mathieu, Thiersch-Duplay procedure, tubularized incised plate repairs, and modifications of these techniques. Cosmetic and functional results and complication rates of ECMB-LUM technique are comparable with those of the commonly used techniques.

The use of a perimeatal-based penile skin flap to cover the repair of a tubularized incised plate urethroplasty: from experimental surgery to clinical practice

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of a perimeatal-based penile skin flap for neourethral coverage after repair of distal hypospadias with tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU).

METHODS

In 12 New Zealand white rabbits a ventral urethral defect was created and reconstruction was accomplished with continuous suture. An epithelialized defect-based flap was harvested from the penile skin to cover the repaired defect. The animals were euthanized on the 28th postoperative day and their penises were processed for microscopic examination. In 32 children with distal hypospadias a TIPU was performed. A penile skin flap was created immediately below the distal end of the neourethra and used to cover the urethroplasty.

RESULTS

Histological examinations revealed complete restoration of continuity of the stratified squamous epithelium without evidence of inflammation or fistula formation with full consistency with the underlying papillary reticular and corium. There were no cases of fistula formation. One patient developed meatal stenosis. All patients had a satisfactory cosmetic appearance and excellent functional results.

CONCLUSION

The formation of a perimeatal-based skin flap is a simple and safe method of providing additional cover for the constructed neourethra after TIPU, minimizing the fistula rate.

Isolated preputial reconstruction in distal hypospadias

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this single centre study was to determine: a) the outcome of isolated preputial reconstruction in distal hypospadias and b) overall parental satisfaction.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of case notes was performed to determine outcome. Postal parent-satisfaction questionnaires were devised to quantify subjective assessment of care and outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 33 cases of isolated preputial reconstruction were identified between 2006 and 2012. Three sets of notes were untraceable. The median age of the 30 remaining patients at surgery was 23 months (range 11-119). At follow-up, 28 (94%) patients had retractile foreskins that had healed well. One patient (3%) had a foreskin fistula and the parents chose to proceed with circumcision rather than fistula closure. A second patient (3%) developed late phimosis secondary to balanitis xerotica obliterans and also underwent circumcision. Twelve follow-up questionnaires were returned. The median overall success rating of the operation was 4.7/5.0 (94%). All respondents reported that they would recommend the procedure to another parent whose child has a similar diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Isolated preputial reconstruction improves the cosmetic appearances in distal hypospadias, has a low complication rate and offers high parental satisfaction.