Objective: Dartos flap coverage is routinely used as a protective layer during tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) except when an associated foreskin reconstruction (FSR) precludes its use. In this study we compare the outcome of distal hypospadias repair with and without foreskin reconstruction by the same surgeon.
Materials and methods: Between September 2002 and June 2007, 215 children with distal hypospadias underwent stented TIPU by a single surgeon. Of these, 25 (glanular 8, coronal 17) underwent a two-layer FSR without dartos flap coverage. An age- and time-matched group of 49 patients (glanular 10, coronal 39) who underwent TIPU with dartos flap coverage without foreskin reconstruction (NoFSR) were selected for comparison. Operative time and complications were recorded.
Results: There was no significant difference in severity of hypospadias and follow-up duration (mean 17 vs 19 months, P=0.57) between the two groups. Operative time ranged between 30 and 86min (mean 57) in the FSR group and 35 and 113min (mean 75) in the NoFSR group (P</=0.01). Initial retraction of the foreskin by the surgeon at 6-8 weeks was successful in 15; five of the six who failed initial retraction responded to steroid cream. Four (16%) children underwent redo surgery in the FSR group (urethrocutaneous fistula in three, circumcision for recalcitrant phimosis in one). In the NoFSR group, six (12.2%) underwent redo surgery (urethrocutaneous fistula in four, removal of redundant skin in two). There was no significant difference in the need for redo surgery (P=0.45) or incidence of fistula (P=0.43) between the groups.
Conclusions: There was no statistical difference in outcome between the two techniques, particularly regarding fistula complication. The complication particular to FSR, namely initial failure of foreskin retraction, responds adequately to steroid cream application. Foreskin reconstruction is a surgical alternative in selected patients, particularly those with distal hypospadias and a personal preference of no circumcision. Larger prospective studies are needed to ascertain similarity in outcome between FSR urethroplasty and the conventional urethroplasty with dartos coverage.