10 year institutional experience of use of buccal mucosal grafts for complex urethral reconstruction for varied indications with its outcome

ABSTRACT

Background: The objective of the study was to evaluate long term efficacy and outcome of use of buccal mucosal graft (BMG) for urethral reconstruction in varied urologic conditions in children.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 41 patients from 2009 till 2019 in our institution in which BMG was used for urethral reconstruction. Clinical findings along with surgical techniques used were noted for these patients. Postoperative outcome and complications were evaluated.Results: Mean age was 6.8 years and mean follow up was for 4 years. Out of 41 patients, BMG for substitution urethroplasty was used in 25 cases of hypospadias, 4 cases of urethral stricture, 6 cases of 46 XY disorders of sexual disorders, 4 cases of Y-duplication of urethra, and 2 cases of redo-epispadias repair. 11 patients underwent one stage repairs with a success rate of 63% and 30 patients underwent two stage repair with a success rate of 66%. Analysis and comparison of the outcome in relation to the type of repair, meatal position and number of surgical procedures prior to BMG urethroplasty was statistically insignificant.Conclusions: Buccal mucosa is an ideal graft substitute for urethroplasty. Two stage reconstructions has a slightly higher success rate than one stage reconstruction but the choice of the technique must be based on patients characteristics and on surgeons preference.