Surgery Insight: advantages and pitfalls of surgical techniques for the correction of bladder exstrophy

Staged reconstruction repair of bladder exstrophy results in hydronephrosis or renal scarring in 15-25% of patients. A cosmetically acceptable and functional phallus can be achieved in 85% of patients, 20-30% of whom will require more than one operation for penile reconstruction. Episodes of penile glans loss or corporal loss are rarely reported with this technique. Widely disparate results relating to complete urinary continence and volitional voiding have been published, with urinary continence reported to occur in 7-85% of patients. The need for bladder augmentation to obtain urinary continence also varies, with reports that somewhere between 10% and 90% of patients require an augmentation procedure to gain urinary continence. Complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy using the penile disassembly technique results in hydronephrosis or renal scarring in 0-30% of patients, and hypospadias, as a consequence of this repair, will occur in 30-70% of patients. Loss of the glans and corpora appear more frequently with penile disassembly than in staged reconstruction of bladder exstrophy, however, the exact incidence of this complication is unknown. Reported complete urinary continence and volitional voiding rates are also varied following penile disassembly, ranging from 25-65%. A modified bladder-neck reconstruction to gain urinary continence is reportedly required in 15-90% of patients, with 5-10% requiring both bladder augmentation and bladder-neck reconstruction. Experience with complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy, using the penile disassembly approach, seems promising but is not a panacea. To outline the risks and benefits regarding the various surgical techniques for bladder exstrophy, we would recommend the establishment of a national registry for patients with this disorder.     

Complete Repair of Bladder Exstrophy in Boys: Can Hypospadias Be Avoided?

INTRODUCTION: Complete repair of classic bladder exstrophy in male newborns has been successful with minimal morbidity. However, the technique may create hypospadias in some cases. We have recently adopted a modification to obtain an orthotopic meatus in bladder exstrophy boys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 1998 and December 2002 complete repair of classic bladder exstrophy was carried out in 27 boys. Complete penile disassembly was performed in 22 boys including 4 newborns and 18 older children; mean age 3+/-2 years old. Modified disassembly was used in the last 5 boys including 4 newborns and a 9-month-old boy. During repair of epispadias, the dissection starts on the ventral aspect of the penis as usual. The urethral plate is separated from both corpora cavernosa to allow ventral transposition of the plate. In the complete disassembly technique, the urethral plate is completely separated from both hemiglans. In this modification, while the urethral plate is completely separated from both corpora cavernosa, the extreme distal end of the urethral plate remains attached to the distal ends of both hemiglans. Thus, when the plate is tubularized with fine interrupted sutures the meatus ends up at the tip of the glans penis. The symphysis pubis is re-approximated as usual and corpora cavernosa are approximated dorsally in the midline. RESULTS: There was no major complication. Mean follow-up was 43+/-7 and 7+/-4 months for complete and modified disassembly groups respectively. Of the 22 boys, who underwent complete disassembly, 15 (68%) ended up with hypospadias and 7 (32%) had an orthotopic meatus. Modified disassembly has resulted in an excellent cosmetic appearance and orthotopic meatus in the 5 boys. Penile length was not shorter than boys who underwent complete disassembly. Parents of the 5 boys noticed normal straight morning erection. CONCLUSION: Although complete penile disassembly allows ventral placement of the urethra, hypospadias is created in approximately two thirds of the cases. When the extreme distal end of the urethral plate remains attached to the distal ends of both hemiglans (modified disassembly), orthotopic meatus can be obtained in all boys. With modified disassembly, posterior mobilization of the bladder and urethra does not result in corporal angulations or shortening because of the proportionate inward movement of the corpora that accompanies symphyseal approximation. The modification is feasible in newborns and infants. These short-term results may obviate the need for later penile reconstructive procedure.     

Results of complete penile disassembly for epispadias repair in 42 patients

PURPOSE: We evaluated the Mitchell complete penile disassembly technique for epispadias repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 42 males 1 month to 22 years old presented for repair of epispadias between 1998 and 2002. Cases were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 29 cases of complete epispadias as a component of bladder exstrophy, 8 with previous continent urinary diversion. Group 2 included 13 cases of epispadias alone (10 primary and 3 secondary). Of the 29 patients in group 1, 21 underwent complete penile disassembly as part of 1-stage primary closure of bladder exstrophy. RESULTS: Mean followup was 37.5 months (range 6 to 52). Ischemic changes at the glans penis were observed in 5 cases during our initial experience. Ventral orthotopic meatus was observed in all 42 patients, conical glans in 40 (95.2%), straight shaft in 34 (81%) and urethral fistula in 1 (2.4%). There were no cases of dehiscence, meatal stenosis or urethral stricture. Erectile function was preserved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Complete penile disassembly is a safe procedure that can provide normalization of the urethra and penis together with satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcome.     

A new approach in hypospadias repair

The field of hypospadiology remains full of challenges in the search for new and better solutions. In recent years, our concept has involved being very radical in penile reconstructive surgery, using an aggressive approach. The penile disassembly technique, either complete or incomplete, is used successfully in epispadias repair. We began using penile disassembly in hypospadias repair in November 1995. The technique was applied on 112 patients aged from 9 months to 32 years. Indications were: hypospadias with severe penile curvature (especially when the curvature was located in the distal third of the corpora cavernosa), chordee without hypospadias, and small penises with hypospadias. The principle of the technique involves separation of the penis into its component parts: the glans cap with neurovascular bundle (dorsally) together with the nondivided or divided urethra and urethral plate (ventrally) and the corpora cavernosa. This maneuver enables an excellent correction of curvature, especially if it is located in the distal third of the corporal bodies and glans tilt. With this technique, substitution urethroplasty can be avoided or its extent, decreased. It enables penile enlargement, above all its lengthening, which is a significant gain in small penises with hypospadias. The patients were followed for 3–23 months (mean 16 months). Straightening of the penis was achieved in all cases without recurrence of curvature. In 37 patients penile disassembly combined with extensive urethral mobilization solved the problem of hypospadiac meatus without the need to form a neourethra. Complications related to urethroplasty included four urethral stenoses, two fistulas, and three diverticula. There was no injury to the neurovascular bundle and urethra. Sensitivity and erection were preserved in all patients. Penile disassembly is an optimal technique for repair of hypospadias with severe curvature and small hypospadiac penises. Real penile augmentation is possible with this technique.     

The penile disassembly technique in the surgical treatment of Peyronie's disease

OBJECTIVE: To present an approach for treating Peyronie's disease, using the penile disassembly technique for reconstructive surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From November 1996 to September 2000, 74 patients with Peyronie's disease were treated surgically. The penile disassembly technique was used in 46 of the patients (mean age 51 years, range 21-63). The indications were severe penile deviation under the glans cap, plaque in the distal third of the corpora cavernosa with the 'hour-glass' phenomenon, and more than one plaque at different sites. The corporal bodies are separated from the glans, neurovascular bundle and urethra. The technique enables the complete preservation of all structures of the neurovascular bundle, especially if it is incorporated into the plaque. The method provides an excellent approach to the repair of all deformities on the completely free corpora cavernosa and that are affected by the plaque. In the plaque region, incisional grafts are placed using full-thickness penile skin or saphenous vein. The technique also enables reduction corporoplasty, i.e. amputation of the tips of the corpora cavernosa that include plaque, in those with sufficient penile length. Penile re-assembly involves joining the glans, neurovascular bundle, urethra and repaired corpora cavernosa into their normal anatomical relationships. RESULTS: The mean (range) follow-up was 27 (6-53) months. The penis was completely straightened in 40 patients (87%) but the deviation recurred in six. In four patients the deformity was <10 degrees and in two was <20 degrees. Penile shortening occurred in 9% of the patients. There was no evidence of inflammation or infection after surgery. There were no injuries of either the neurovascular bundle or urethra. CONCLUSION: The penile disassembly technique could be a good alternative to other surgical techniques in treating selected patients with Peyronie's disease; it allows an excellent approach to penile deformities which can then be easily and safely corrected.     

Is there a shortening of the urethral plate in complete penile disassembly used in epispadias repair,and what is its impact on the final outcomes?

Purpose

To assess the importance of shortening of the urethral plate that occurred with complete penile disassembly technique in epispadias repair and its impact on cosmetic and functional results (on urinary incontinence).

Complete primary repair of exstrophy. Surgical technique

The single-stage reconstructive approach to exstrophy evolved out of changes in the management of exstrophy. The success of Jeffs and others that functionally reconstructed the bladder of patients with exstrophy demonstrated that the approach was feasible and acceptable. Increased understanding of the anatomic pathology associated with exstrophy and epispadias resulted in the development of complete penile disassembly for epispadias and the extension of this technique to exstrophy as the complete primary repair technique described herein. The results using this technique are encouraging, leading to the recommendation for the procedure by other surgeons committed to the care of patients with exstrophy.     

Modified partial penile disassembly repair for improved functional and cosmetic outcome in isolated male epispadias

Introduction and objectiveThe objective of the study was to evaluate the functional and cosmetic outcome of single-stage modified partial penile disassembly repair in isolated male epispadias.Materials and methodsA retrospective analysis of 15 cases of primary epispadias repair, from June 2015 to December 2018, was performed. Patients were classified by the type of epispadias, urinary incontinence, chordee, and rotation.Surgical techniquePenile degloving with the mobilization of the urethral plate from the ventral to the dorsal aspect with the preservation of blood supply at both ends, distally up to the level of mid-glans and proximally up to the pubic symphysis is done. Tubularization of urethral plate followed by spongioplasty, corporoplasty with medial rotation of corporeal bodies, and glanuloplasty with meatoplasty was done to bring the meatus ventrally. The skin cover is done by the rotation of the ventral flaps and the z-plasty whenever required.ResultsAge of the patients varied from 4 months to 21 years with a mean of 11 years. Thirteen patients had excellent cosmetic outcome while two patients had minimal residual chordee but did not require any surgery in a follow-up. Five patients with partial incontinence in the study group achieved continence after surgery. None of the patients developed complications such as fistula or stricture. All five male patients in the post-pubertal group reported normal erections and successful ejaculations after the surgery. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 18 months.ConclusionsModified partial penile disassembly incorporates all the benefits of Cantwell Ransley repair and needs less extensive dissection than total penile disassembly. Both functional and cosmetic results are good with a low complication rate.     

Bladder exstrophy associated with complete urethral duplication: Bladder can be augmented with dorsal urethral mucosa

Bladder exstrophy associated with complete urethral duplication is very rare with only 8 reported cases in the English literature. This is a report of a16 years old boy who had originally been diagnosed with only bladder exstrophy but was discovered to have a normal ventral urethra intra-operatively during penile disassembly. The mucosa of the dorsal urethral plate was transected at the corona and mobilised proximally to augment the bladder. The ventral urethra was preserved and the bladder closed. At 14 months follow up he is voiding normally, has adequate bladder capacity and a normal penis. Post operative voiding cystogram shows bilateral grade 2 vesicoureteric reflux.In conclusion, bladder exstrophy with urethra duplication is rare and the diagnosis usually missed. The mucosa of the dorsal urethral plate can be preserved and used to augment the bladder.     

Functional and cosmetic outcome of partial penile disassembly repair in isolated male epispadias patients

Introduction

Epispadias is a rare congenital anomaly and requires a carefully constructed and well-planned approach for the management. Modified Cantwell-Ransley technique and Mitchell's complete penile disassembly are commonly used technique and these may require multiple surgeries in majority of the patients to achieve the goals of cosmesis and continence.

A ventral rotational skin flap to improve cosmesis and avoid chordee recurrence in epispadias repair

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technical modification that facilitates dorsal skin closure, improves cosmesis and eliminates chordee recurrence secondary to contracture of the dorsal penile skin in the repair of epispadias. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven patients with penopubic epispadias (mean age 1.8 years) had the epispadias repaired using a modified ventral penile skin flap. Four patients had isolated epispadias and seven had had a previous primary closure of bladder exstrophy. Nine patients underwent the Cantwell-Ransley technique, leaving the meatus in a glanular position. Two patients were repaired using the penile disassembly technique of Mitchell and B?gli, because they had a short urethral plate. A ventral island skin flap was fashioned, starting at the base of the penis. Dissection was carried ventrally into the scrotum to allow for adequate dorsal flap transposition. The flap was rotated laterally to shift the suture line from the midline and to cover the dorsal aspect of the penis with untouched penile shaft skin. Redundant ventral foreskin was discarded. RESULTS: All patients had an uneventful course after surgery. Dorsal penile skin was viable in every case and no patient developed recurrence of chordee or a urethrocutaneous fistula. The cosmetic result was excellent in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal skin closure using lateral rotation of ventral penile skin flap improves cosmesis after epispadias repair and eliminates the recurrence of chordee secondary to midline dorsal scarring.     

Vaginoplasty in male transsexuals using penile skin and a urethral flap

OBJECTIVES: To describe and present the results of a one-stage vaginoplasty in male-to-female sex reassignment surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present technique is based on penile disassembly and the use of all penile components for vaginoplasty (except the corpora cavernosa). The neovagina consists of two parts; a long vascularized urethral flap and a pedicled island tube skin flap created from the penile skin. The urethral flap is embedded into the skin tube. The tube, consisting of skin and the urethral flap, is inverted, thus forming the neovagina. The new vagina is inserted into the previously prepared perineal cavity between the urethra, bladder and rectum. The neovagina is then fixed to the sacrospinous ligament. The labia minora and majora are formed from remaining penile and scrotal skin. The new method was used in 89 patients (mean age 28 years, range 18-56) with a mean (range) follow-up of 4. 6 (0.25-6) years. RESULTS: Good cosmetic and functional results were obtained in 77 of the 89 patients (87%). Importantly, the neovagina produced in most patients was of satisfactory depth and width. There was only one major complication, a rectovaginal fistula caused by intraoperative injury to the rectum. CONCLUSIONS: The technique produces a vagina with more normal anatomical and physiological characteristics than those produced by other methods, as all the penile components are used (except for the corpora cavernosa) to form almost normal external female genitalia. Vaginoplasty using pedicled penile skin with a urethral flap is a good alternative to other methods of vaginoplasty in male-to-female sex reassignment surgery.     

Penile fracture with complete urethral rupture

We report a rare case of penile fracture with complete urethral rupture in a 25-year-old male who sustained the injury during sexual intercourse. He presented with a tense haematoma on the ventral aspect of the penile shaft, associated with per urethral bleeding. Despite the injury, he was able to void painfully. Retrograde urethrography revealed complete obstruction at the proximal third of the urethra. Exploration and repair of the penile fracture and urethra were performed. The patient made an uneventful recovery with good erectile and voiding function. This case illustrates the value of retrograde urethrography in assessing urethral injuries in patients with penile fracture.     

Impotence: a diagnostic approach

A diagnostic approach to erectile impotence using a sexual function questionnaire, nocturnal penile plethysmography, penile blood pressure measurement, cavernosograms, cystometrograms and plasma testosterone levels is presented. Case examples demonstrate the clinical value of these diagnostic tools. Psychogenic impotence should be diagnosed only after nocturnal penile plethysmography has demonstrated the presence of complete erections.     

Post-prostatectomy impotence.

With the help of the principles of rapid eye movement sleep and nocturnal penile tumescence, 14 patients who underwent transurethral prostatectomy were studied by monitoring the electroencephalograph, electro-oculograph and penile plethysmograph activity preoperatively and postoperatively. No instance of complete loss of penile erection was found postoperatively. The need for objective rather than subjective data is emphasized.     

Penile lengthening

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for penile lengthening and the results achieved. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The penis is completely disassembled into its anatomical parts; the glans cap remains attached dorsally to the neurovascular bundle and ventrally to the urethra and corporal bodies. A space is created between glans cap and the tip of corpora cavernosa; this space is used to insert autologous cartilage previously harvested from the rib, the space being measured beforehand when the corpora cavernosa are erect. The anatomical entities and inserted cartilage are joined together to form a longer penis. The increased length of the penis depends directly on the elasticity of the urethra and especially of the neurovascular bundle. From June 1995 to March 1999 the technique was applied in 19 patients aged 18-52 years, who were followed for a mean (range) of 3.3 (1-4.5) years. RESULTS: The increase in penile length was moderate, at 2-4 cm; there were no injuries of the neurovascular bundle or urethra, and no erectile dysfunction. Fifteen patients reported painless sexual intercourse, the remaining four patients providing no data. During the follow-up the cartilage insert remained at about the same size as that at initial implantation. CONCLUSION: The penile disassembly technique combined with the interposition of rib cartilage in the space between the glans cap and tips of the corpora cavernosa provides a genuine increase in penile length, with satisfactory results.     

Penile replantation using the leech Hirudo medicinalis

A 37-year-old chronic schizophrenic man underwent penile replantation after complete autoamputation using a kitchen knife. We report the first case of using medicinal leeches to salvage a penile replant after the development of postoperative venous congestion.     

阴茎弯曲的治疗(附20例报告)

目的:提高对阴茎弯曲的诊断及外科治疗水平。方法:回顾性分析20例阴茎弯曲矫形术及术后并发症,其中15例为先天性阴茎弯曲类型,采用阴茎皮肤袖状脱套+可吸收缝线单纯阴茎白膜折叠术矫形弯曲;5例为继发性阴茎弯曲患者,采用斑块切除+膀胱黏膜补片矫正阴茎弯曲。结果:20例术后随访6～24个月,平均18个月,无血肿,感染,尿瘘,阴茎感觉改变,勃起疼痛及勃起功能障碍等并发症,术后矫正率90%,2例术后矫正阴茎稍弯曲<15°,1例术后阴茎缩短约2cm。结论:根据阴茎弯曲的程度,选择合理的手术方式,可矫正阴茎弯曲,保证有效的勃起功能及一定的阴茎长度。     

Penile torsion repair using dorsal dartos flap rotation

PURPOSE: Counterclockwise penile torsion is a frequently noted congenital deformity. Previously proposed techniques of torsion repair are ineffective or pose significant operative risks. We introduce a novel technique using dorsal dartos flap rotation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The penis is first degloved completely and a broad based dartos flap is mobilized from the dorsal penile skin. The flap is rotated around the right side of the penile shaft and attached to the ventral aspect, causing clockwise penile rotation. Final slight adjustments are made during skin closure. We applied this technique in 8 patients undergoing circumcision (2), chordee (4) or hypospadias (2) repair. RESULTS: This technique was effective for correcting penile torsion in all patients. At a mean followup of 8.3 months the cosmetic outcome was satisfactory with the complete correction of penile torsion. CONCLUSIONS: Rotational repositioning of a dorsal dartos flap is an effective technique for correcting penile torsion and it is easily applicable with other penile reconstruction procedures.     

An unusual complication of penile prosthesis following urethroplasty

We report a case of an adult who had undergone transpubic urethroplasty for a 5-cm long posterior urethral stricture. A malleable penile prosthesis (AMS 600R) was implanted 19 months later for the trauma-related impotence. The patient was discovered to develop a complete obliteration of the urethra after removal of infected penile prosthesis 18 months later. Perineal urethroplasty cured his restricture. Suggestions are made to prevent urethral restricture if penile prosthesis is required after urethroplasty.