Congenital penile curvature (chordee without hypospadias)

We treated 30 patients aged six months to nine years with congenital penile curvature from 1988 to 1993. Twenty-four patients appeared to have a primary curvature with normal corpus spongiosum. In 12 of these 24 patients dissecting skin and dartos fascia were adequate to straighten the penis. In the other 12 patients, artificial erection demonstrated a varied degree of convexity of the penis after the skin and dartos fascia release, implying a disproportion of the corpora cavernosa bodies. We corrected this deformity using dorsal tunica albuginea plications (TAP). The remaining 6 patients presented with a primary curvature and hypoplastic urethra. In 5 of these patients we divided the hypoplastic midportion of the urethra leaving the meatus naturally on the glans and replaced the midurethral segment using a tubularized island flap. Of these 5 patients 2 required TAP for penile straightening. The final patient with a hypoplastic urethra was managed by preserving the urethral plate and applying an onlay island flap urethroplasty. Complications were one fistula and two mild ventral penile curvatures, presently not severe enough for reoperation (mean follow-up 2.6 years). We present a systematic approach for the repair of congenital penile curvature using intraoperative artificial erection, TAP, and the island flap urethroplasty when needed.     

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.     

Urethral manipulation syndrome. Description of a new syndrome

For the first time in the literature, a syndrome that leads to ventral penile deviation is described-urethral manipulation syndrome (UMS, Kelami). This condition is due to fibrosis and scarring of corpus cavernosum urethrae (spongiosum) after any kind of urethral manipulation. In cases of impossible penetration, reconstructive surgery straightens the penis.     

Hypospadias and associated penile anomalies: a histopathological study and a reconstruction of the pathogenesis.

Hypospadias is considered to be the result of inadequate fusion of urethral folds and, possibly, of canalization of a glandar epithelial cord during the formation of the spongy urethra. This theory had to be reconsidered because a recent study in normal human embryos has exposed such fusion and invagination as misconceptions. Autopsy specimens of five penises with hypospadias from foetuses and neonates were studied histologically. The findings complemented with data from the literature were correlated to the normal developmental process to reconstruct the pathogenesis of the disorder. Histopathological analysis revealed that the hypospadic orifice was the proximal part of a mucosal delta which revealed the structure of the roof and meatus of a flattened distal urethra. Branches of the raphe bordering the delta and terminating in prominent 'dog ears' had the characteristics of the transient urethral labia (folds). Associated curvature and torsion could be related to structural abnormalities of vascular structures, notably the distal corpus spongiosum, and fasciae predominantly proximal to the hypospadic orifice. Correlation with normal development indicated that hypospadias and associated anomalies are not caused by disturbed fusion or glandar invagination but by maldevelopment of a complex of primordial fascial and vascular tissue proximal to the urethral orifice which normally form the venter side of the penis by disproportionately strong proliferation and make the urethral orifice shift distalward. Insufficient growth may disturb that shift with the degree of deficiency determining the precise position of the urethral orifice, size of the urethral delta and defect of the prepuce. Shortage and/or poor organisation of these tissues explain curvature and, if asymmetrical, torsion, both of which can occur also with minimal urethral deformity or as congenital ventral curvature and torsion without hypospadias.     

Management of urethral lesions in penile blunt trauma

BACKGROUND: Traumatic lesions to the penis may extend into the corpus spongiosum, causing laceration or complete transection of the urethra. Blunt penile trauma is usually related to sexual intercourse or manipulation. The aim of this paper was to report the authors experience with the management of urethral injuries in patients with penile blunt trauma. METHODS: The charts from 77 patients with penile blunt trauma were retrospectively reviewed, and the cases associated with urethral injuries associated were selected. Patient age ranged from 18 to 63 years (mean 33 years). RESULTS: From 77 cases assessed, 11 (14.2%) patients had urethral injury, 62 (80.5%) had injury of the corpora cavernosa and four (5.2%) had injury of the dorsal vein. The etiology of urethral injuries was sexual intercourse in 10 patients (91%) and direct trauma to the flaccid penis in one patient (9%). A partial urethral disruption was presented in eight patients (72.8%) and a total disruption in three patients (27.2%). Preoperative urethrogram was performed in seven patients with a suspicion of urethral trauma. When a partial injury was present the urethra was closed over the catheter, and in the presence of a total injury an end-to-end anastomosis was performed. CONCLUSION: The data support the reported incidence of urethral injury associated with blunt penile trauma. No clinically apparent urethral structures were appreciated with primary urethral repair after a follow up of more than 6 months.     

Positive resection margins in partial penectomies: sites of involvement and proposal of local routes of spread of penile squamous cell carcinoma

Recurrence in patients with penile carcinoma occurs in about one third of cases, usually due to insufficient surgery or positive resection margins. An evaluation of surgical resection margins in penectomy specimens was performed to determine precise anatomic sites of tumor involvement, hoping to advance knowledge concerning the local routes of spread of penile carcinomas. A pathologic study of 80 partial penectomies revealed 14 positive margins. Margins were examined after their separation from the main specimen as follows: 1) proximal urethra and surrounding tissues consisting of urethral epithelium with Litree glands, lamina propria, corpus spongiosum, and penile fascia (periurethral cylinder); 2) proximal shaft with corresponding corpora cavernosa separated and surrounded by the tunica albuginea and penile fascia; and 3) skin of shaft with underlying corporal dartos. In 9 patients, only one site was involved by carcinoma, and in 5 there were multiple contiguous sites (for a total of 20 anatomic sites). The distribution of the various sites involved by carcinoma was as follows: urethral epithelium, 4 cases (2 in situ and 2 invasive carcinomas including intraluminal spread); lamina propria, 5 cases; corpus spongiosum, 3 cases; penile fascia, 6 cases; and corpora cavernosa and skin, 1 case each. One of the in situ lesions was discontinuous with the main glans tumor, and the other one was continuous with it. The penile fascia was the most commonly involved site followed by the urethral lamina propria and epithelium. Dissemination to outer skin, corpora cavernosa, and corpus spongiosum was less frequent. The highly vascularized and innervated loose connective tissue of the penile fascia appears to facilitate tumor spread. The urethra is either a pathway for in situ tumor progression from glans to urethra or part of a field prone to malignant transformation. The infrequent involvement of corpora cavernosa is probably due to the tunica albuginea acting as a barrier preventing tumor spread. Based on these observations and the examination of hundreds of penectomy specimens, we are proposing five probable routes of local spread for penile cancer: 1) horizontal and superficially spreading from one epithelial mucosal compartment (glans, coronal sulcus, and foreskin) to the other; 2) following the penile fascia; 3) through spaces created by feeding vessels in the tunica albuginea; 4) vertical spreading involving step-by-step different penile anatomic compartments; and 5) along the urethral epithelium.     

Characterization of the urethral plate and the underlying tissue defined by expression of collagen subtypes and microarchitecture in hypospadias

Objectives: In hypospadia patients, the urethral plate and the underlying tissue were previously thought to be the main cause of penile curvature and, because of this, they used to be excised to correct the curvature. Currently, they are preserved as they are not thought to cause penile curvature anymore. The aim of the present histology study was to elucidate the characteristic structure of the tissue beneath the urethral plate. Methods: The experimental group consisted of 27 hypospadiac patients with moderately severe penile curvature, who underwent one‐stage urethroplasty after dividing the urethral plate. Excised tissues were observed under light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, the presence of collagen subtypes I, III and IV was examined with immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. Results: Light microscopy showed the existence of many massed and intertwined collagen fibers and vessels that resembled those of the cavernous sinus. TEM showed the existence of many collagen fibers, capillary vessels and other structures. Immunohistochemical staining showed collagen subtype I in the interfascicular space and collagen fibers were densely stained. Collagen subtype IV was found in the basement membrane of vessels, but collagen subtype III was not detected. The same results were obtained by western blotting. Conclusions: The tissue beneath the urethral plate was considered to originate from the corpus spongiosum penis. The distribution of collagen subtypes suggests that the presence of the tissue might affect ventral penile curvature. Long‐term follow up is required after one‐stage hypospadias repair with preservation of the urethral plate and the underlying tissue.     

Bhat's modifications of Glassberg–Duckett repair to reduce complications in management severe hypospadias with curvature

ObjectiveDisadvantages of two-stage hypospadias repair are the necessity of 2 or 3 surgeries, loss of time/money, complications like splaying of the stream, dribbling of urine or ejaculate and milking of the ejaculate due to a poor-quality urethra. The current article details our modifications of flap repair allowing to manage such patients in one stage and reducing the complications.Subjects and methodsTwenty one patients (aged 2–23 years, between January 2006 and June 2012 mean 11.5 years) of severe hypospadias were managed with flap tube urethroplasty combined with TIP since June 2006 and June 2012. Curvature was corrected by penile de-gloving, mobilization of urethral plate/urethra with corpus spongiosum and transecting urethral plate at corona. Buck's fascia was dissected between the corporeal bodies and superficial corporotomies were done as required. Mobilized urethral plate was tubularized to reconstruct proximal urethra up to peno-scrotal junction and distal tube was reconstructed with raised inner preputial flap after measuring adequacy of skin width. Both neo-urethrae were anastomosed in elliptical shape and covered with spongiosum. Distal anastomosis was done 5–8 mm proximal to tip of glans preventing protrusion of skin on glans. Tubularized urethral plate was covered by spongioplasty. Skin tube was covered by dartos pedicle and fixed to corpora. Scrotoplasty was done in layers, covering the anastomosis.ResultsType of hypospadias was scrotal 10, perineo-scrotal 5, penoscrotal 4 and proximal penile in 2 cases. Chordee (severe 15 and moderate 6) correction was possible penile de-gloving with mobilization of urethral plate with spongiosum after dividing urethral plate at corona 8, next 5 cases required dissection of corporal bodies, superficial corporotomy 5 and 3 cases lateral dissection of Buck's fascia. Length of tubularized urethral plate varied from 3 to 5 cm and flap tube varied from 5.5 to 13 cm (average 7.5 cm). Complications were fistula 2, meatal stenosis 1, and dilated distal urethra1 with overall success rate of 81%. None of them had residual curvature, torsion, splaying or dribbling urine in follow up of 10–36 (average 18) months.ConclusionsTIPU with spongioplasty of proximal urethra and dartos cover on skin tube reconstructs functional urethra. Distal end skin sutured to glans mucosa 5–8 mm proximal to the tip of glans reconstructs a cosmetically normal looking meatus. An exact measurement of the width and length of the stretched dartos, fixation of the skin tube to the corpora and covering the skin tube with dartos helps in prevention of diverticula. Elliptical anastomosis covered with spongiosum prevents fistula and stricture at anastomotic site.     

Erectile dysfunction: anatomical parameters, etiology, diagnosis, and therapy

Functional anatomy of the human penis involves various parameters: cavernous tissue, covering integument, prepuce foreskin, corpora cavernosa, corpus spongiosum, glans, facia, arterial supply, venous drainage, lymph drainage, musculature, and nerve supply. Several factors affect the expression/degree of erectile dysfunction (ED) endocrine profile, aging/senescence, demyelinating diseases, and surgery. Risk factors of ED are: age, vascular factors, metabolic diseases (diabetes mellitus), neurologic diseases, and HIV/AIDS. Several drugs are associated with ED: antiandrogenic, anticholinergic, antidepressants, antihypertensive, major tranquilizers, anxiolytics, and certain medicines/metabolites. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is a multidimensional scale for assessment of erectile dysfunction. The main structures mediating erection are the corpora cavernosa or "erectile bodies," which are fused distally for approximately three-quarters of their length. They separate proximally to fuse with each ischial tuberosity of the pelvis. On their ventral surface lies the corpus spongiosum, which surrounds the urethra. Coital dysfunction is classified into "erectile dysfunction" (psychosexual and endocrine/neuro-endocrine) and "ejaculatory dysfunction" (psychosexual, and genitourinary surgery). Vasculogenic impotence was evaluated by high-resolution ultrasonography and pulsed Doppler spectrum analysis. Cavernosal, alpha-blockade is a technique used to evaluate and treat ED. Another diagnostic procedure for ED involves color floro and spectural Doppler imaging after papaverine-induced erection in impotent men. Color Doppler and duplex ultrasonography are used to evaluate Peyronie's disease. Sildenafil cilrate (Viagra) is an effective therapy of ED in men. Vardenavil is a highly selective phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor which improved ED. Prostagland E1, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and phentolamine mesylate (administered by autoinjectors) have been applied to treat ED in patients resistant to other intracavernosal agents. Clinical trials were conducted on self-injection of vasoactive drugs, apomorphine SL, and tadalafil in diabetic men. Medical therapy of ED includes: medicated urethral system for erection (MUSE), intravenous pharmacotherapy, arterial revascularization, vacuum devices, two- and three-component inflatable penile prosthesis, semi-rigid penile prosthesis in situ, and inflatable one-piece penile prosthesis. Surgical therapy include procedures to correct Peyronie's penile deformity and penile deformity, procedures to avoid inevitable shortening accompanying Nesbit's disease, and for penile lengthening.     

The surgical treatment of chordee without hypospadias in men.

During a 2-year period we treated 26 young men for chordee without hypospadias. Many of these patients had straight erections as children but a ventral curvature developed as they achieved puberty. We describe the anatomical findings and discuss the possible cause for the development of this anomaly. Surgical therapy begins with a circumcising incision and reflection of the skin to expose the shaft of the penis. The corpus spongiosum containing the urethra was mobilized by resecting the dysgenetic tissue in the dartos and Buck's fascia layers. In 1 patient this dissection was sufficient to straighten the penis but in the remaining 25 the penis was not straight. In those patients we mobilized the dorsal bundle of vessels and nerves, and removed 1 or several ellipses of tunica albuginea to equalize the lengths of the ventral and dorsal aspects of the corpora cavernosa. The corpus spongiosum usually is elastic and the curve almost never is caused by shortness of the urethra, which stretches to fit the straightened penis. In 24 of the 26 patients the curvature was resolved with 1 operation, while 2 needed a second procedure.     

New treatment for urethral strictures

A new operative technique using synthetic, absorbable mesh for grafting a urethral defect was applied in 7 mongrel male dogs. The ventral half of the urethral circumference with its surrounding corpus spongiosum was excised for a length of 3 to 4 cm. A Dexon mesh of the same dimensions, woven in our laboratory from polyglycolic acid fibers, was sutured to the defective area. A perineal urethrotomy was established, and no splints were left behind. Dogs were studied between two and six months. Retrograde urethrography showed that the operative area healed without strictures or irregularities. Intravenous urography showed no back pressure effects, and cultured urine was always sterile. Histologic examination two months after surgery showed that the urothelium was completely healed, without inflammatory changes or disruption. Suburothelial tissues were replaced by dense collagenous connective tissue. The excised corpus spongiosum did not regenerate. After six months, the area of dense collagen described was diminished in size so that the operative area could be hardly identified except by the absence of corpus spongiosum.     

Penile circular fasciocutaneous flaps to reconstruct complex anterior urethral strictures

The circular fasciocutaneous penile flap meets all criteria for tissue transfer and urethral reconstruction. It reliably provides ample hairless tissue, usually 13 to 15 cm long, without compromising cosmesis or function. We find it ideal for long strictures in the distal or pendulous urethra, where the decreased substance of the corpus spongiosum may jeopardize graft viability. A second major advantage is its versatility: it can be used throughout the entire anterior urethra, from the membranous area to the meatus. In addition, the circular fasciocutaneous penile flap is easily combined with other tissue-transfer techniques when necessary, enabling one-stage reconstruction in the majority of cases. The flap may be tubularized for replacement urethroplasty or divided and used in two separate stenotic areas. Onlay reconstruction is preferable to flap tubularization and has provided a better initial and long-term outcome. The circular fasciocutaneous penile flap provides superior results even in patients with complex refractory strictures in whom previous attempts at anterior urethroplasty have failed. We believe its superiority resides in the transfer of well-vascularized tissue to the compromised area. Complications can be minimized by avoiding prolonged placement in the exaggerated lithotomy position and by meticulous attention to principle of reconstructive surgery.     

Dorsal on-lay preputial graft urethroplasty for anterior urethra strictures repair

Objectives To report the long-term results and evaluate the effectiveness of the dorsal on-lay preputial graft urethroplasty in patients suffering from anterior urethra strictures. Methods A total of 21 male patients, mean age 46.3 years (range 17–67), with anterior urethral strictures, underwent the dorsal on-lay preputial graft urethroplasty during the last 8 years, from October 1997 to September 2005. Strictures were located in bulbar urethra in 16 patients and in penile urethra in the remaining 5. The aetiology the stricture was traumatic injury of the anterior urethra in 12 patients and iatrogenic in 9 patients.␣A direct vision dorsal urethrotomy and the insertion of an urethral Foley catheter right before the procedure, facilitated the corpus spongiosum dissection and the preparation for urethroplasty. A voiding cystogram was performed on the day of urethral catheter removal to exclude extravasation and estimate the postoperative result. Results Mean follow-up time has been 49.9 months (range 6–95) and the outcome was favourable in 15 patients (71.43%). There were 3 recurrences in penile urethra strictures managed conservatively and three in bulbar urethroplasties, treated with internal urethrotomy followed by urethral dilatations. Conclusion Our results indicate that dorsal on-lay urethroplasty using preputial graft is an easy to learn and perform procedure, and offers the patient durable␣results with rather minimal complications.     

长隧道带蒂包皮内板尿道成形术治疗阴茎体型尿道下裂的疗效分析

目的 探讨长隧道带蒂包皮内板尿道成形术治疗阴茎体型尿道下裂的疗效. 方法 2007年9月至2010年4月收治阴茎体型尿道下裂患儿28例,年龄1.5 ～6.0岁,平均2.0岁.均行长隧道带蒂包皮内板尿道成形术.尿道开口均位于阴茎体部,距离阴茎头顶端16 ～ 37 mm,平均25immn;分离尿道及纠正阴茎下曲后尿道缺损30 ～ 42 mm,平均38 mm.手术要点:沿尿道开口环形切开阴茎皮肤,分离至尿道板,横断尿道板,沿尿道板与海绵体之间分离隧道至阴茎头正中,隧道长度26～38 mm,平均33 mm.尿道开口至阴茎头之间全程由隧道贯通,尽量保持阴茎腹侧皮肤与组织完整,取带蒂包皮内板制作新尿道,将新尿道通过阴茎侧方深筋膜下通道转移至腹侧隧道进行吻合.术中人工勃起试验证实合并轻度阴茎下曲13例,无明显阴茎下曲15例. 结果 28例均一期修复成功,手术时间50～70 min,平均55min.随访时间6～31个月,平均20个月.28例患儿均排尿通畅,尿线粗直.尿道呈矢状开口于阴茎头正中,阴茎下曲纠正满意,外观好,未发生尿瘘或狭窄. 结论 长隧道带蒂包皮内板尿道成形术适用于无或合并轻度阴茎下曲的阴茎体型尿道下裂,尤其适合年龄小或阴茎体细小患儿,手术简单,效果好,外观满意.     

Combined Dorsal and Ventral Buccal Mucosal Graft Urethroplasty by Unilateral Mobilisation of Urethra with Single Dorsal Urethrotomy Incision in Long Segment Anterior Urethral Strictures

The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of combined dorsal and ventral buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty by unilateral mobilisation of urethra with single dorsal urethrotomy incision in long and narrow anterior urethral strictures with preserving the narrow urethral plate and blood supply. Between June 2012 and July 2016, 26 men with long anterior urethral strictures underwent urethroplasty by our technique in a tertiary care teaching hospital. The urethra was mobilised only one side. Then, it was opened in the dorsal midline over the stricture. The first graft was secured on the tunica of the corporal bodies. Thereafter, the diseased mucosa on the ventral side of the urethra was excised and the second graft was placed as ventral inlay and fixed to the corpus spongiosum. The cut edges of urethra were closed by suturing to dorsally placed graft. Successful urethral reconstruction was defined as normal voiding without the need for any postoperative procedure. Mean follow-up was 36 months and mean stricture length was 4.29 cm. Of these 26 cases, 23 (88.4%) were successful and 3 (11.53%) were treatment failures with restricture. The combined dorsal plus ventral buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty by unilateral mobilisation of urethra with single dorsal urethrotomy incision provides adequate urethral augmentation by preserving urethral vascularity and the narrow strip of urethral plate in long and tight anterior urethral strictures.     

Review and update of the anatomy of the penis

The knowledge of penile anatomy is basic to perform a proper diagnosis and direct the most adequate treatment of the various diseases that may appear: urethral stenosis, erectile dysfunction, congenital or acquired penile curvature, etc.; being its anatomical knowledge essential for a proper surgical management. The penis is the male organ involved in both voiding and sexual functions: the body of the penis is composed by three erectile bodies, (i.e the deep structures): the corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum, this last surrounding and covering the urethra. Buck's fascia is in relation to the deep structures of the penis. The superficial fascia, dartos, is made up from a more areolar tissue and is in relation to skin and vessels. The vascularization of the deep structures comes from the common penile artery, a branch of the internal pudendal artery. Penile blood drains through three venous systems: superficial, intermediate and deep systems. Pudendal nerves are in charge of the sensitive and motor somatic innervations. Cavernosal nerves are a combination of parasympathetic and sympathetic afferent fibers, corresponding to the nerves of the autonomic system of the penis.     

尿道下裂术后尿道狭窄在青春期后的处理经验(附71例报告)

目的:探讨尿道下裂术后尿道狭窄在青春期后的处理经验。方法:回顾性分析2015年1月至2019年12月上海交通大学附属第六人民医院收治的71例青春期后就诊的尿道下裂术后尿道狭窄患者的临床资料。年龄平均27.7(12～65)岁;病程平均33.4(1～240)个月。既往手术次数平均2.5(1～9)次;尿道异位开口32例,其中...     

A closer look at iatrogenic hypospadias

Almost all surgical repair techniques for hypospadias include dissection of the glans penis, and covering the neo-urethra with the glans tissue circumferentially. Surprisingly, the presence of the “septum glandis” in the ventral midline has been overlooked for decades. A careful examination of six patients with iatrogenic hypospadias (IH) revealed direct indications of the septum glandis. All patients were treated with long-term urethral catheterisation in the paediatric intensive care unit due to neurologic and/or metabolic diseases. The glans was disrupted in all patients due to ventral midline compression of the urethral catheter, which resulted in a tear in the septum glandis. A remnant of the septum glandis was clearly observed in patients with an incomplete tear. Further injuries caused tear in the frenulum and corpus spongiosum, exposed the glanular urethra and made its vertical elliptical shape, the “fossa navicularis”, visible. Intact contours of the separated glans wings were observed in all patients. The glans wings merge ventrally in the midline, but are separated by a fine connective tissue (septum glandis) in conjunction with the frenulum, which is involved in the formation of the ventral wall of the glanular urethra. IH provides further insight into the structural anatomy of the normal human glans and glanular urethra.     

Preservation of the thin distal urethra in hypospadias repair

PURPOSE: We report our experience with preserving the thin distal urethra lacking corpus spongiosum for the treatment of hypospadias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1997 to October 1999 we treated primary hypospadias in 77 boys with a mean age of 4 years 10 months. After degloving the penile skin a segment of thin distal urethra lacking corpus spongiosum was noted in 18 patients (23.4%) with a mean age of 3 years 5 months. The thin distal urethra was preserved and incorporated as part of urethroplasty (group 1). The procedure was primarily completed by tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. We also performed tubularized incised plate urethroplasty in 31 boys (40.3%) with a mean age of 5 years 2 months who had normal coverage of the corpus spongiosum of a hypospadiac urethra (group 2). We compared the results of treatment in these 2 groups. The remaining 28 patients (36.4%) treated with other methods were excluded from study. RESULTS: In group 1 the distance from the original meatus to the urethra covered by healthy corpus spongiosum was 4 to 20 mm. (mean 8.2). If the thin distal urethra had been excised, the urethral meatus would have been relocated more proximal in these boys. Mean followup in groups 1 and 2 was 9.9 and 7.6 months, respectively. Postoperatively there were 2 (11.1%) urethrocutaneous fistulas in group 1 and 4 (12.9%) in group 2. Tubularized incised plate repair was successful in all 10 cases (100%) of distal hypospadias in group 2, and in 15 of 18 (83.3%) and 17 of 21 (81%) of proximal hypospadias cases in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the success rate of hypospadias repair in the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We noted a significantly thin distal urethra in 23.4% of our cases of primary hypospadias. Mean length of the thin distal urethra was 8.2 mm. Preserving the thin distal urethra may simplify the operative procedure without compromising the surgical results of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty.     

Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty repair in adult hypospadias patients. Are results similar to those reported in the pediatric age group? A prospective study

ObjectiveMost studies published in the literature report on the results of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) for hypospadias repair in children. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the results of TIPU repair in adults.Patients and methodsThe records of 60 adult patients with primary hypospadias treated with TIPU between April 2009 and May 2012 were reviewed. All the procedures were done by the same surgeon under similar conditions and using the same kind of instruments and suture material. On clinical examination, the meatal location, as well as the presence/absence of chordee and penile torsion was assessed. The quality of the spongiosum and the width of the urethral plate were evaluated intraoperatively. The postoperative complications and results were recorded and the data were analyzed.ResultsThe patients’ age ranged from 16 to 27 years with a mean of 21 years. Out of the 60 cases, 43 (72%) had distal penile, 7 (11%) mid-penile and 10 (17%) proximal hypospadias. Penile torsion was present in 10 (17%) cases with 80% having a torsion ≤45° and 20% having a torsion of 45–90°. Ventral chordee ranging from 30° to 90° was present in 14 (23%) cases. Chordee correction was possible by penile de-gloving in 4 (29%) patients (2 with distal and 2 with mid-penile hypospadias), by further mobilization of the urethral plate with the corpus spongiosum in 3 (21%) and by proximal urethral mobilization in another 6 (42%) patients with proximal hypospadias. One (7%) patient also required tunica albuginea plication. The urethral plate was wide in 22 (37%), average in 26 (43%) and narrow in 12 (20%) patients. Fifty percent of the patients with a narrow urethral plate developed complications, compared to 15% of the patients whose urethral plate had an average width and none of the patients with a wide urethral plate. The spongiosum was well developed in 38 (63%) patients, while in 11 (18%) patients each the spongiosum was moderately and poorly developed. The complication rates were significantly higher (55%) in patients with a poorly developed spongiosum as compared to those with a well-developed spongiosum. The overall complication rate was 17% including fistula in 10% of the patients (2 patients with mid-penile and 4 patients with proximal hypospadias). Meatal stenosis was found in 4 patients with distal hypospadias (7%) who responded well to meatal dilatation. The fistula cases required surgical repair with a success rate of 100%. Mean hospitalization and follow-up were 9 days and 6–24 (median 37) months, respectively.ConclusionsComplications encountered in the present study were urethral fistula and meatal stenosis with a higher incidence in patients with proximal hypospadias than reported in the literature. The important factors for the outcome of TIPU were the severity of hypospadias, the degree of curvature and the development of the spongiosum and urethral plate. Proximal hypospadias with a poor urethral plate and severe curvature in adults is not suitable for TIPU. In such cases, single-stage flap urethroplasty or two-stage buccal mucosal urethroplasty should be considered instead.