Classification of prepuce in hypospadias according to morphological abnormalities and their impact on hypospadias repair

PURPOSE: We investigated the morphology of the hypospadiac prepuce to develop a classification of different prepuce types in hypospadias. We also assessed the correlation between morphology and vascularization of the prepuce and their impact on results of hypospadias repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 1997 to December 2001, 174 patients 18 months to 24 years old (mean age 49 months) underwent hypospadias surgery. The prepuce morphology was analyzed by evaluation of the prepuce skin distribution, development and deformities. The development and course of blood vessels were analyzed using preputial illumination. According to morphology and blood supply, different types were compared. Of 174 analyzed cases 163 prepuces were used for urethroplasty. RESULTS: Based on the predominant morphology characteristics and abnormalities, we classified the analyzed prepuces into 6 groups of A-"monk's hood" or "1 humped" (43 cases, 24.7%), B-"cobra eyes" (80, 45.9%), C-"normal" (intact) (4, 2.3%), D-"flat" (24, 13.8%), E-"v"-shaped (16, 9.2%), and F-"collar-scarf" (7, 4.0%). Cobra eyes and monk's hood prepuces had the most favorable vascular pattern for the creation of flaps, the prepuces while the "flat" and "v"-shaped prepuces had the most unfavorable vascular pattern. Mean followup after hypospadias repair was 34 months (range 24 to 48). Complications (stenosis, fistula diverticulum) developed in 8.9% of the patients after "cobra eyes" and "monk's hood" prepuces were used for urethroplasty and in 25% when "v"-shaped and "flat" prepuces were used. CONCLUSIONS: Morphological characteristics correlated with vascularization of the hypospadiac prepuce. Underdeveloped prepuces and those with unfavorable vascular pattern used for urethroplasty had a higher percentage of complications. In severe hypospadias the anatomical features of the prepuce have greater influence on the proper choice of 1 or 2-stage repair.