ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We present 2 variants of the penile disassembly technique for epispadias repair that refine some details of the Mitchell technique. In some cases the urethral plate retracts and shortens, and there may be poor vascularization at the most distal portion. In addition, when the neurovascular bundles of the separated hemicorporeal glanular bodies are intact, it is difficult to achieve excellent correction of dorsal chordee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1995 and 1998 we performed the modified Mitchell technique in 11 boys 2 to 14 years old using 1 of 2 variants. For variant 1 the hemiglans and urethral plate remain connected by a small tissue bridge to avoid shortening the urethral plate and ensure a better blood supply. For variant 2 each corporeal body is dissected from the glans cap and neurovascular bundle to achieve complete mobility. This procedure enables ideal mobility of the corporeal bodies as well as curvature repair. When corporeal rotation was unsuccessful, we corrected persistent dorsal chordee using the Ransley corporotomy with corporostomy in 2 patients and with dermal grafting in 1. RESULTS: Mean followup was 17 months (range 6 to 30). Dorsal curvature was corrected in all cases. Cosmetic appearance was good. Complications included meatal stenosis and urethral fistula in 1 case each. CONCLUSIONS: Our variants of epispadias repair may be good alternatives to the Ransley and Mitchell complete penile disassembly techniques.
Subject(s)
Epispadias/surgery , Penis/surgery , Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male/methods , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
We report our experiences with penile disassembly technique in the treatment of severe hypospadias. During a period from November 1995 to December 1997 the technique was applied to 102 patients, aged from 9 months to 32 years. The principle of the technique involves separation of the penis into its component parts: glans cap with neurovascular bundle (dorsally) together with undivided or divided urethra and urethral plate (ventrally), and corpora cavernosa. After correction of the curvature and different techniques of urethroplasty the penile entities are joined into normal anatomical relationships. Our goal was also to achieve some degree of penile enlargement in small hypospadiac penises. The patients were followed from 4 to 29 months (mean 19.2 months). Straightening of the penis was achieved in all cases without recurrence of curvature. Complications were related to urethroplasty: 3 urethral stenoses, 2 fistulas and 2 diverticulum. Penile disassembly technique is very effective for most severe hypospadias. Possibility of penile augmentation is real with this technique.
Subject(s)
Hypospadias/surgery , Penis/surgery , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Infant , Male , Postoperative Complications/classification , Retrospective Studies , Urethra/surgeryABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Techniques for penile straightening generate the serious dilemma of which is most appropriate. We created and describe our penile disassembly technique to avoid penile shortening in curvature repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 1995 to March 1997 we performed our penile disassembly technique in 87 patients 12 months to 47 years old (mean age 4.5 years). Indications for surgery were isolated penile curvature and chordee with or without hypospadias, curvature of the distal third of the corpora cavernosa and a small penis with curvature. Our method consists of separation of the penis into its entities, a glans cap with its neurovascular bundle dorsally, a nondivided or divided urethra, or urethral plate ventrally and corpora cavernosa that may be partially separated in the septal region. This maneuver achieves excellent correction of penile curvature. In addition, during this procedure a space is created between the glans cap and the tips of the corpora cavernosa into which various tissues may be inserted to avoid penile shortening due to corporoplasty or even to lengthen the penis. RESULTS: Mean followup was 16 months (range 6 months to 2 years). There were no injuries to the neurovascular bundle or urethra. Complications developed only in relation to onlay or tubularized urethroplasty in 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our penile disassembly technique seems to be the most effective procedure in select cases of severe curvature of the distal penile shaft, marked glans tilt and a small penis with curvature. In addition, the procedure provides the possibility of penile lengthening.
