Application of vascularized tunica vaginalis flap technique in repairing recurrent urethrocutaneous fistula following hypospadias surgery / 中华泌尿外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of tunica vaginalis flap cover in treatment of recurrent urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF).Methods We reviewed the clinical datas of 25 cases of UCF after urethroplasty of hypospadias from January 2011 to January 2015.The mean age of the patients was 6.2 years(range 1.6-14.0 years).All patients had undergone previous hypospadias repair and at least one previous failed attempt to close the urethrocutaneous fistulae.There were 5 cases of fistula in the coronary sulcus,6 cases of fistula in the penile body and 14 cases of fistula at the junction of penis and scrotum.The diameter of urethrocutaneous fistulae were 3-10 mm.Single fistula was present in all patients.16 cases had undergone UCF repair for two times, 9 cases had undergone UCF repair for more than two times.After closing the fistula with inverting running stitch, a tunica vaginalis flap was mobilized to cover the repair site through a subcutaneous tunnel and the skin closed.Results The mean follow-up time was 2.1 years(range 0.5-4 years).The overall success rate was 96％ (24/25).Penile cosmesis was excellent.There was no evidence of recurrent fistulas or urethral strictures.All parents reported a straight penis when erected, and one patient in whom there was leak from the fistula site because of local wound infection.No postoperative complication was encountered in the testis.The testis was of normal size and position, and the ultrasound findings were normal.Conclusions Repairment of recurrent urethrocutaneous fistulas with a tunica vaginalis flap could be effective regardless of fistula location.The technique is simple to improve the success rate of the repair of UCF effectively and reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications.