Tubularized-incised urethral plate urethroplasty: is regular dilatation necessary for success?

OBJECTIVES: To report the results of the tubularized-incised urethral plate repair of hypospadias. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients (mean age 8 years, range 6-18) had their hypospadias corrected using the tubularized-incised urethral plate technique. Five patients had glanular, 16 had coronal, and two had recurrent hypospadias after a failed Mathieu repair, and four patients required a second-stage repair. The urethral plate was incised in the midline and tubularized over a suitably sized stent. In patients who required second-stage repair a Thiersch-Duplay neourethra was constructed from the hypospadiac orifice to the corona and the glanular urethra was constructed by tubularization of the incised urethral plate. RESULTS: The functional and cosmetic results were excellent. Of the first seven patients, four had a small fistula associated with meatal stenosis. By regular dilatation of the glanular urethra, all fistulae resolved spontaneously. Dilatation was instituted in all the remaining patients and no fistula or meatal stenosis occurred. Other complications included haematoma formation in one patient, urinary tract infection in another and frequent bladder spasm in two. CONCLUSIONS: The tubularized-incised urethral plate urethroplasty is a simple and versatile technique that provides an excellent cosmetic appearance of the glans. It can be applied not only for the primary repair of distal hypospadias, but also for re-operation of recurrent hypospadias. The technique is ideal for constructing a glanular urethra when the Thiersch-Duplay operation is used to repair posterior hypospadias. Regular urethral dilatation is important in preventing adhesions between both sides of the incised plate, which can result in meatal stenosis and fistula.     

Modification of meatal advancement and glanuloplasty for correction of distal hypospadias

OBJECTIVE: The meatal advancement and glanuloplasty (MAGPI) technique is still successfully used for the repair of distal hypospadias. The technique has been modified considerably since it was first described in 1981. The primary drawbacks of the procedure are the complications of meatal regression and meatal stenosis. The aim of this study was to present a modification of MAGPI for correction of distal hypospadias. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten cases with distal hypospadias were operated on using our modified MAGPI procedure. The modification involves excision of a pull-out, tag-shaped piece of glanular tissue through the vertical incision in the meatoplasty section of the original operation. By means of this excision, burying of the meatus into the glans was eased without inducing extra mobilization of the glans wings. As less glans tissue was left at the dorsal urethra the urethral meatus could be replaced in the center of the glans and better anatomic reconstruction could be attained. RESULTS: After 1-3 years of follow-up, all the operated cases showed functionally and cosmetically satisfactory results. The cosmetic appearance achieved with our modified technique was better than that obtained with the classical MAGPI procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Using our MAGPI modification, the urethra was localized deeper in the glans and an elliptical (slit-like), wide meatus was obtained, the cosmetic appearance of which was more acceptable than that achieved with classical MAGPI.     

Development of the human anterior urethra

To further our understanding of the development of the anterior urethra a series of 38 normal human fetuses ranging from the end of the embryonic period proper to the third trimester of gestation were studied. Tissues prepared as serial histological sections were examined and appropriate specimens were reconstructed. The formation of the bulbar and spongy urethra occurred by proliferation of mesenchyme underlying the epithelium of the urethral folds, causing the creation of a tubular urethra by epithelial fusion in the ventral midline. The tubular urethra becomes invested by mesenchyme, the future corpus spongiosum. This process of fusion of the urethral folds extends to the glans penis. At this period of development the glans contains the urethral plate, a lamina of epithelium lacking a lumen. The mechanism of the subsequent connection of the spongy urethra to the canalized urethral plate has been the point of controversy. Our observations support the idea that 3 processes must act in synchrony to produce successful completion of the anterior urethra: 1) the prepuce forms by overgrowing the glans due to proliferation of the penile skin and subcutaneous tissues, and in so doing it continues the progression of closure of the urethral folds into the glans and forms the frenulum by its fusion on the ventral aspect, 2) the mesenchyme surrounding the prolongation of the urethra fuses with the mesenchyme of the glans, which before this time had existed as a mesenchymal structure distinct from the corpus spongiosum or corpus cavernosum and 3) the epithelium of the urethral plate within the glans, which underlies the epithelial tag, becomes canalized and develops continuity with the lumen of the spongy urethra.     

Modified Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty Repair: Frenuloplasty and Long-Term Results in 155 Patients

To describe a modification of tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty which we refer to as “frenuloplasty”. We retrospectively reviewed 155 children who underwent TIP urethroplasty between June 2008 and August 2011 in our institution. In our technique, the circumcision incision went on through the mucocutaneous junction obliquely in order to form frenular wings instead of linear circumscribing incision joined the urethral plate vertically. The little triangle-shaped skin flaps between the oblique mucocutaneous incisions and urethral plate incisions were excised. The glans wings and frenular wings were re-approximated without tension after uretroplasty. The mean age of the patients was 4.63?±?3.82 years. The mean follow-up was 15.94?±?5.46 months. Location of hypospadias was distal penile in 126 patients (81.3 %) and mid-shaft in 29 (18.7 %). The following complications occurred in 21 patients (13.5 %): urethrocutaneous fistula formation in 7 (4.5 %), meatal stenosis in 14 (9 %) and no dehiscence. We suppose that there is no incompletely formed prepuce but a ventral fusion defect in the midline. Frenuloplasty reduces the necessity of ventral preputial flaps and provides satisfactory cosmetic outcomes with the appearence of normal circumcised penis.     

Meatal advancement and glanuloplasty hypospadias repair after 1,000 cases: avoidance of meatal stenosis and regression.

We first described the meatal advancement and glanuloplasty (MAGPI) procedure in 1981 as a technique to repair distal hypospadias. During the last 10 years our experience has increased to more than 1,000 cases. Case selection is critical to surgical outcome. Excessively thin or rigid ventral parameatal skin, or a meatus that is too proximal or too wide must be avoided. To prevent the ventral meatal wall from falling back and leaving a retrusive meatus, the glans wrap to support the advanced ventral urethral wall requires a solid approximation of glans tissue in 2 layers. Meatal stenosis may be avoided by an adequately deep dorsal Heineke-Mikulicz tissue rearrangement, making the incision from within the urethral meatus distally into the glanular urethral groove. The MAGPI procedure is routinely performed on an outpatient basis without urinary diversion. A review of our experience with 1,111 cases during a 12-year period reveals that a secondary procedure was required in only 1.2%. The overall success rate with the MAGPI procedure suggests that it should continue to be an important operation in the reconstruction of distal hypospadias.     

Spongioplasty and separation of the corpora cavernosa for hypospadias repair

OBJECTIVE: To describe a surgical method (a modified Duplay technique), and its results, for hypospadias repair, developed to avoid the common complication of fistula. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The urethroplasty was modified so that it no longer comprises a simple approximation of the urethral plate with no dissection. The inferior surface of the corpora cavernosa is exposed as far as the lateral border and to the end of the glans, allowing tension- free suturing of urethral tissues, with a lengthening effect of the intermediate plane. This corrects chordee and especially the 'bucket-handle' glans, and protects the reconstructed urethra and proximal urethra. The study included 51 children who had their hypospadias repaired over a 9-month period (mean age at surgery 20.6 months, range 1-11 years); 14 had coronal, three anterior penile juxta-coronal, 23 anterior penile, four medium penile, five posterior and two penoscrotal hypospadias. RESULTS: All children were followed and no fistula was apparent in any with anterior hypospadias; two fistulae occurred after repair of the posterior form. The risk of fistula is therefore reduced (two in 51). CONCLUSION: This technical modification can be used to treat all forms of distal hypospadias (glanular, glanulo-preputial, and anterior penile). It was also used for several cases of more severe hypospadias. These good results must be confirmed in a larger series of patients.     

The GAP (glans approximation procedure) for glanular/coronal hypospadias

A modified glanuloplasty is described for the selective repair of glanular and coronal hypospadias with a wide, deep glanular groove and noncompliant urethral meatus. No urinary diversion is required, and cosmetic and functional results are excellent. A total of 24 children underwent the GAP (glans approximation procedure) during 20 months. Followup ranged from 3 months to 1.5 years with no evidence of meatal or urethral stenosis. One distal glanular fistula developed that required division of a 2 mm. skin bridge that separated the fistulous opening from the neomeatus.     

先天性尿道下裂的手术治疗体会

目的 总结尿道下裂手术治疗的经验体会,进一步提高手术治疗水平。方法 回顾性分析86例尿道下裂的临床资料,分析不同术式的治疗效果。结果 尿道外口前移阴茎头成形术未见尿漏及尿道狭窄等并发症。游离包皮内板尿道成形术后并发症发生率为12．5％,游离膀胱粘膜尿道成形术后并发症发生率为17％。结论 根据不同类型的尿道下裂选择不同的手术方式才能达到满意的治疗效果,阴茎头型尿道下裂采取尿道外口前移、阴茎头成形术,阴茎体型尿道下裂采用游离包皮内板代尿道Ⅰ期尿道成形术,阴茎阴囊型及会阴型尿道下裂采用游离膀胱粘膜代尿道Ⅰ期尿道成形术。     

尿道板纵切在远端型尿道下裂选择Mathieu术式中的应用

目的:比较尿道板纵切联合尿道口基底血管皮瓣法(Mathieu)与尿道板纵切卷管法(TIP)治疗远端型尿道下裂疗效。方法:回顾性分析2016年8月至2019年1月72例远端型尿道下裂临床资料,21例行尿道板纵切联合Mathieu术(Mathieu-IP组),其中5例尿道板狭窄、小扁平阴茎头、浅尿道;51例行TIP术(TIP组);随访观察尿道口位置、形状、阴茎头裂开、尿瘘、狭窄、憩室,并进行分析比较。结果:Mathieu-IP组与TIP组垂直裂隙状口分别为19例(90.5%)、46例(90.2%),外观无明显差异(P>0.05);Mathieu-IP组较TIP组尿瘘发生率显著降低(P=0.048),分别为1例(4.8%)和15例(29.4%);Mathieu-IP组无尿道狭窄,TIP组12例(23.5%),Mathieu-IP组显著降低(P=0.037);Mathieu-IP组和TIP组阴茎头裂开、憩室发生率均无统计学差异(P>0.05),阴茎头裂开分别为1例(4.8%)和2例(9.8%),憩室分别为1例(4.8%)和6例(11.8%);5例尿道板狭窄、小扁平阴茎头、浅尿道患者术后均无并发症。结论:尿道板纵切用于Mathieu术修复远端型尿道下裂,可使尿道口垂直裂隙状,形成合理尿道口径,尿瘘、狭窄发生率明显降低,适用于尿道板狭窄、小扁平阴茎头、浅尿道沟患者。     

A combined tubularized/onlay graft technique for total correction of severe hypospadias.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: A combined tubularized/onlay graft technique is described for the complete correction of chordee with urethroplasty in a single stage in cases of severe hypospadias. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with severe hypospadias ranging in age from 9 months to 11 years underwent single-stage correction using a technique developed by the author. In this method, chordee is first completely excised by removing all fibrotic tissue both proximal and distal to the urethral orifice, preserving the meatal groove. A dorsolateral preputial flap is then raised and tubularized to form the neourethra. The proximal end of this tube is anastomosed to the urethral opening using a continuous absorbable suture. Two parallel incisions are made in the glans on either side of the meatal groove. The distal part of the neourethral flap is laid over the groove and sutured on either side to create the glanular part of the urethra, after which the glans is reconstructed with the new meatal opening at the tip. The neourethral suture line is covered with a layer of vascularized subcutaneous tissue to protect against fistula formation, and the rest of the preputial skin is transferred ventrally to provide cover for the penile shaft. RESULTS: There were no major complications with minimum follow-up of 20 months. Meatal stenosis developed in two patients, and one had stricture at the proximal anastomosis. These were treated successfully with minor corrective procedures. All other patients had good results, and there were no cases of fistula. CONCLUSIONS: The method described has proved successful in the surgical correction of severe hypospadias in a single stage. It is easily adapted to permit urethral reconstruction after varying degrees of tissue excision required to obtain satisfactory correction of chordee. Patients do not need to undergo multiple procedures, and no major complications were encountered in this series.     

Window technique on circumcision

Objective: To remove the preputium by using a simple, quick and safe method without damaging glans, frenulum and urethra as well as with a good cosmetic result. Patients and methods: The procedure, remind the guillotine technique at first, but completely different from it. Basically, a long haemostat is applied onto preputium and skin and subdermal tissue were incised; a small window is opened at dorsal of preputial mucosa and it is excised, while observing glans and frenulum. Results: The circumcisions were performed in a quick, safe and pretty bloodless way. There was no case with glans amputation, frenulum short cut or urethral damage, even if a clamp includes the foreskin with a part of glans or excess frenulum unnoticedly. Conclusion: This technique is simple, quick, relatively bloodless operation with cosmetically good result. Morever it is quite safe against to amputation of glans, frenular short cut or urethral fistula formation.     

The multistage use of buccal mucosa grafts for complex hypospadias: histological changes

PURPOSE: We report our experience using buccal mucosa in the multistage repair of complex hypospadias, and the observed histological changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 31 patients (14 adults and 17 children). A total of 19 patients presented after failed hypospadias repair with deficient ventral skin, 5 presented with scrotal hypospadias and 7 presented with perineal hypospadias. Patients who had previously undergone hypospadias repair had 3 to 7 failed trials. Two stage buccal mucosa graft was performed using the Bracka technique. In the first stage residual fibrosis was released, the glans was split and the buccal mucosa graft was sutured to the ventral surface of the penis to form a future urethral plate. Second stage reconstruction was performed after 6 months with interposed scrotal dartos tissue. Buccal mucosa was histologically studied before grafting, and at 6 months after graft uptake and exposure to the air. RESULTS: Buccal mucosa free graft showed excellent uptake within 5 days in all cases. At 6 months the buccal mucosa was well vascularized and pliable. Minute fistulas occurred in 3 cases (9.7%), which were closed at a later stage. Histological analysis of buccal mucosa tissues before and after graft and prolonged exposure to the air (more than 6 months) was conducted. The buccal mucosa displayed epithelial hyperplasia with mild and focal keratinization. The lamina propria was slightly edematous and minimally infiltrated by mononuclear inflammatory cells. The lamina propria papillae were elongated, extending to 75% of the mucosal thickness compared to the normal buccal mucosa. The buccal mucosal graft displayed good vascularization, similar to that of the normal mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: Multistage repair using buccal mucosa is an excellent option for urethral reconstruction. It guarantees excellent graft uptake and good vasculature, which improves success. It also provides supple tissue for glanular and urethral reconstruction in cases of severe complex hypospadias.     

Urethral advancement and glanuloplasty with V flap of the glans in the repair of anterior hypospadias

BACKGROUND: Hypospadias is a common urethral anomaly in boys. More than 65% of hypospadias cases are anterior (glanular, coronal and distal penile shaft). More than 200 original techniques have been applied to correct hypospadias. Each of these techniques has some complications, the most common of which are fistula and meatal stenosis. METHODS: A total of 74 boys with anterior hypospadias underwent the procedure of urethral advancement and glanuloplasty (UAGP) with V flap of the glans in our medical centres between March 1994 and March 2000. The procedure included degloving, correction of chordee, urethral mobilization and glans plasty. RESULTS: Cosmetic results were excellent in most patients. There was no fistula, and meatal stenosis was also not observed after applying V flap of the glans. In a 1-6-year follow-up (mean +/- SD, 3.15 +/- 1.79 years), the results, functionally and cosmetically, were satisfactory in all cases, with no long-term complication or chordee. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that UAGP is an excellent technique for repairing anterior hypospadias with satisfactory results and low complication rate.     

Development of the human male urethra: A histochemical study on human embryos

Purpose

Controversy persists regarding the formation of human penile urethra. The classic fusion theory for the development of the spongy urethra and ectodermal ingrowth or endodermal transformation theories for the development of the glanular urethra do not explain the wide spectrum of anomalies seen in patients with hypospadias. This histological study was made to clarify the mechanism of urethral development.

Materials & Methods

15 human male embryos ranging from 6 to 14 weeks were studied. The phalluses were examined microscopically and photographed. Tissues were prepared as serial histological sections and stained with haematoxylin and eosin and with special immuno-histochemical stains.

Results

1) The penile urethra: At 6 weeks of gestation, the urethral plate which is solid distally and partially grooved proximally becomes grooved distally and has fused proximally by 8 weeks. At 14 weeks of gestation; the urethral opening migrates only to the middle of the shaft.2) The glanular urethra: At the 6th week of gestation, a solid epithelial plate reached the tip of the genital tubercle, and a glans cannot be identified. At the 7th week, a central vacuolation appears and the penile urethral groove does not reach the tip of the phallus. At the 8th week; coronal sulcus starts to appear, and a well defined blind central canal was evident in the 13th week. During the 14th week, the floor of the glanular canal degenerated to form a glanular groove.

Conclusions

Our observations suggest that the spongy urethra passes through 3 stages of development: a solid epithelial plate, deep urethral groove, and fused urethra. The glanular urethra passes through 4 developmental stages: a solid epithelial plate, a blind central canal, a deep glanular groove, and the floor from the preputial lamella. There was no evidence of ectodermal ingrowth. These observations raise serious questions to the current theories for human urethra development. Further studies on fresh human embryos are needed.     

Dorsal dartos flap for preventing fistula in the Snodgrass hypospadias repair

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the importance of urethral covering using vascularized dorsal subcutaneous tissue for preventing fistula in the Snodgrass hypospadias repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 67 children (aged 1-11 years) who had hypospadias repaired between April 1998 and May 2003, including 51 with distal and 16 with midshaft hypospadias. In all children, a standard tubularized incised-plate urethroplasty was followed by reconstruction of new surrounding urethral tissue. A longitudinal dartos flap was harvested from excessive dorsal preputial and penile hypospadiac skin, and transposed to the ventral side by a buttonhole manoeuvre; it was sutured to the glans wings around the neomeatus, and to the corpora cavernosa over the neourethra. Thus the neourethra was completely covered with well-vascularized subcutaneous tissue. RESULTS: At a mean (range) follow-up of 21 (6-65) months, the result was successful, with no fistula or urethral stenosis, in all 67 children. CONCLUSION: We suggest that urethral covering should be part of the Snodgrass procedure. A dorsal well-vascularized dartos flap, buttonholed ventrally, is a good choice for preventing fistula. Redundancy of the flap and its excellent vascularization depends on the harvesting technique.     

Longitudinal dorsal dartos flap for prevention of fistula after a Snodgrass hypospadias procedure

OBJECTIVES: The Snodgrass technique presents the procedure of choice for distal hypospadias. Fistula formation is the most common complication with various rates. We evaluated the importance of a urethral covering using vascularized dorsal subcutaneous tissue for fistula prevention. METHODS: Our study included 126 patients, aged 10 months to 16 years, who underwent hypospadias repair from April 1998 through June 2005. Of the patients, 89 had distal, 30 had midshaft and 7 had penoscrotal hypospadias. All patients underwent standard tubularized incised plate urethroplasty, which was followed by reconstruction of new surrounding urethral tissue. A longitudinal dorsal dartos flap was harvested and transposed to the ventral side by the buttonhole manoeuvre. The flap was sutured to the glans and the corpora cavernosa to completely cover the neourethra with well-vascularized subcutaneous tissue. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 32 (6-87) months. A successful result without fistula was achieved in all 126 patients. In six patients, temporary stenosis of the glandular urethra occurred and was solved by dilation. CONCLUSIONS: A urethral covering should be performed as part of the Snodgrass procedure. A dorsal well-vascularized dartos flap that is buttonholed ventrally represents a good choice for fistula prevention. Redundancy of the flap and its excellent vascularization depend on the harvesting technique.     

Distally based turnover flap and preputium plasty for distal hypospadias repair: a preliminary report.

A surgical procedure for hypospadias correction using a proximally based turnover flap, glanuloplasty, and preputium plasty is described. The flap is vertically disposed and distally based on the external urethral meatus, and the shape is spatulated. It is dissected from proximal to distal, turned over, and sutured to the glans to reconstruct the missing portion of urethra. A glanuloplasty is performed and the preputium is restored by careful reconstruction of its inner and outer surface. The technique is useful in distal penile and glanular hypospadias without chordee or meatal stenosis. Very good functional and aesthetic results, and no complications, were obtained with this technique. Preliminary results and a 3-year follow-up are presented and discussed in this report.     

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.     

Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for proximal hypospadias

OBJECTIVES: Numerous surgical procedures have been used to correct distal hypospadias. Among them, the tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (Snodgrass procedure) has become a mainstay for the repair of distal hypospadias. We applied the procedure to proximal hypospadias. METHODS: Three patients with proximal hypospadias underwent a tubularized incised urethral plate urethroplasty. The location of the meatus was proximal penis in one, penoscrotal margin in one and scrotum in one. A perimeatal incision was made and the two paramedian incisions were extended to the tip of the glans. The skin of the penile shaft was dissected free to the penoscrotal junction and bands of fibrous tissue were excised until the corpus spongiosum proximal to the meatus was completely exposed inside the scrotum. The urethral plate was then incised in its midline from the tip of the glans to the hypospadiac meatus and was tubularized without tension. The neourethra was covered with a pedicle of subcutaneous tissue dissected from the dorsal skin or the scrotal skin to avoid fistula formation. RESULTS: The tubularized incised urethral plate urethroplasty was carried out successfully in one stage on three patients with proximal hypospadias. CONCLUSIONS: The Snodgrass procedure is suitable for correcting hypospadias in patients with a healthy urethral plate. It is also suitable in patients with proximal hypospadias.     

Histopathological evaluation of the urethra after the Snodgrass operation: an experimental study in rabbits

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the histopathological outcome of the incised urethral plate after tubularized incised-plate urethroplasty (the Snodgrass procedure to repair hypospadias) in a hypospadiac rabbit model, as it can produce meatal and neourethral strictures, and healing with scarring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 10 male New Zealand White rabbits (2.2-2.4 kg); under general anaesthesia the ventral urethra was completely excised 1 cm from the meatus proximally and a model of hypospadias formed. A full-thickness incision was then made in the distal dorsal urethra and the two sides of the incision marked by Indian ink tattooing. After placing a feeding tube (5 F) as a urethral catheter, both urethral wings were sutured ventrally by a 7/0 polydioxanone running suture, and the penile skin approximated by 5/0 chromic catgut. At 21 days and 3 months after surgery the penises were harvested, assessed histopathologically, and compared with those from control untreated rabbits of the same age and weight. RESULTS: In the study group the incised area of the dorsal urethra was re-epithelialized; the regional tissue and vascularity were normal. CONCLUSION: In this rabbit model the dorsal urethral incisions healed with no scar tissue; only the ventral suture lines had minimal fibrosis and inflammatory reaction.