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.