Follow-up and histocompatibility observation of urethral reconstruction with different materials.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective is to observe the long-term surgical results of urethral reconstruction using either pedicled penile flaps or lingual mucosa grafts. We also assess the histocompatibility of the reconstructed urethra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data of patients with anterior urethral stenosis undergoing urethra reconstruction by applying different materials were collected from 2014 to 2022 in the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University. We assessed their efficacy and the occurrence of complications. Patients who required reoperation due to complications were selected. Sections of the reconstructed urethra created with various materials were excised during repair procedures. The excised tissues underwent hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. Comparison with the original histological morphology was conducted to evaluate histocompatibility. RESULTS: 42 of the 55 patients were cured which showed a surgical success rate of 76.36%. The success rate of urethra reconstruction surgery utilizing lingual mucosa is 71.43% and that of surgeries using pedicled penis flaps is 79.41%. The long-term prognosis of the two groups is similar (P > 0.05). Observations show that the histological morphology of the original epithelium gradually disappeared, leading to adaptive changes to the urinary environment with favorable histocompatibility. CONCLUSION: The application of lingual mucosal and pedicled penis flaps for urethral reconstruction both have a high surgical success rate. The long-term follow-up results are positive. Both methods are viable for urethral reconstruction and exhibit favorable histocompatibility.

Robotic versus laparoscopic ureteroplasty with a lingual mucosa graft for complex ureteral stricture.

PURPOSE: Ureteroplasty with a lingual mucosa graft (LMG) for complex ureteral stricture was reported promising. We aimed to compare outcomes of robotic versus laparoscopic ureteroplasty using a LMG (RU-LMG vs. LU-LMG, respectively). METHODS: From October 2018 to January 2021, 32 ureteroplasties using LMGs were performed by one experienced surgeon, including 16 robotic and laparoscopic procedures each. Patient demographics and peri-operative, post-operative, and follow-up data were prospectively collected and compared. RESULTS: The robotic group had a higher rate of previous reconstruction than the laparoscopic group (62.50% vs. 18.75%; p = 0.012). The stricture length was significantly longer in the robotic group (4.8 ± 1.2 cm) than the laparoscopic group (3.7 ± 1.2 cm; p = 0.013). All procedures were completed successfully without open conversion. The operative time was shorter in the robotic group (192 ± 54 min) than the laparoscopic group (254 ± 46 min; p = 0.001). The robotic group had a shorter length of post-operative stay (6.1 ± 2.4 d vs. 8.9 ± 4.3 d; p = 0.033) but a higher hospital cost (76,801 ± 17,974 vs. 42,214 ± 15,757 RMB; p < 0.001) than the laparoscopic group. The mean follow-up time was 21 ± 7 months for the robotic group and 29 ± 9 months for the laparoscopic group respectively (p = 0.014). No difference was detected in the success rate (93.75% and 100%, respectively; p = 0.309) and complication rate (18.75% and 31.25%, respectively; p = 0.414) between the robotic and laparoscopic groups. CONCLUSION: Both RU-LMG and LU-LMG are feasible, effective, and safe for repair of complex ureteral strictures. RU-LMG had a shorter operative time and a shorter length of post-operative stay but a higher hospital cost.

Research progress of autologous graft technique for treating ureteral strictures / 中华泌尿外科杂志

For a long time, urological surgeons have been troubled by the treatment of long proximal and mid ureteral stricture, and the commonly used ileal ureteral substitution and autotransplantation have certain shortcomings. In recent years, the development of autologous graft technique has brought a new hope for these patients. The commonly used autologous grafts or flaps include oral mucosa, intestinal tissue, urogenital tissue, etc. The feasibility and safety of autologous graft technique have been preliminarily verified, but each kind of graft or flap has different advantages and disadvantages. The research progress of autologous grafts or flaps ureteroplasty in this article was reviewed and the related problems of this technique were discussed.

Lingual Mucosal Graft Ureteroplasty for Long Proximal Ureteral Stricture: 6 Years of Experience with 41 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Management of a long proximal ureteral stricture is challenging. Lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty (LMGU) is a novel minimally invasive technique for ureteral reconstruction that avoids the morbidity of bowel interposition or autotransplantation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of LMGU for managing long, complex proximal ureteral strictures in a multi-institutional cohort of patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective study involved data for 41 patients treated with LMGU at three centers between June 2015 and January 2021. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: LMGU was performed using either an onlay ureteroplasty in which the diseased ureter was incised ventrally and repaired with a lingual mucosal graft (LMG) to widen the ureteral lumen, or an augmented anastomotic technique in which the obliterated segment of the ureter was excised and reanastomosed primarily on dorsal side, and an LMG was placed on the ventral side. MEASUREMENTS: Pre-, intra-, and postoperative variables and outcomes were assessed. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Of 41patients, 40 were operated with laparoscopic procedures and one with a robot. Twenty-four (59%) patients underwent an onlay ureteroplasty, and 17 (41%) underwent an augmented anastomotic ureteroplasty. The reconstructed ureter was wrapped with omentum in 90% of cases. The median (range) stricture length was 4.8 cm (2.0-8.0), operative time was 166 min (98-306), and estimated blood loss was 65 ml (15-220). No open conversions and intraoperative complications occurred. At a median follow-up of 35 mo (range 13-80), the overall success rate was 97.6% (40/41). CONCLUSIONS: LMGU is a safe, feasible, and effective long-term technique for managing long, complex proximal ureteral strictures. PATIENT SUMMARY: We reported a novel technique for long proximal complex ureteral strictures using an onlay lingual mucosal graft (LMG). Our 6-yr outcomes demonstrate that onlay LMG ureteroplasty is a safe, feasible, and effective long-term procedure for ureteral reconstruction.

Robotic-assisted Lingual Mucosal Graft Ureteroplasty for the Repair of Complex Ureteral Strictures: Technique Description and the Medium-term Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted autologous graft ureteroplasty provides another treatment option for complex ureteral strictures, circumventing ileal ureter or renal autotransplantation. OBJECTIVE: To report the medium-term outcome of robotic ureteroplasty with a lingual mucosal graft (RU-LMG) for managing complex ureteral strictures. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Between June 2019 and September 2020, 12 patients underwent RU-LMG. The perioperative variables were prospectively collected, and the outcomes were assessed. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: After ureteral stricture dissection, the narrow segment was cut longitudinally, and a lingual mucosal graft (LMG) of the required length was harvested, followed by double-J stent placement and LMG ventral onlay anastomosis. If the diseased ureter required transection, posteriorly augmented ureteral anastomosis could be performed before LMG harvest. Finally, the anastomotic area was wrapped by the omental flap. MEASUREMENTS: A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. The criteria for complete success included the absence of both clinical symptoms and obstruction on radiography. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Seven patients (58%) had a history of failed ureteral reconstruction. The mean (range) stricture length was 4.7 (3-6.5) cm, LMG length was 4.4 (3-7) cm, LMG width was 1.5 (1-2) cm, operative duration was 197.1 (130-346) min, estimated blood loss was 49.2 (10-200) ml, and the duration of postoperative hospitalization was 6 (4-14) d. No open conversions and intraoperative complications occurred. The median follow-up time was 15 mo (range: 13-27 mo). The overall success rate was 92% (11/12). CONCLUSIONS: These medium-term follow-up results demonstrate that RU-LMG is a safe and feasible technique for repairing ureteral strictures. PATIENT SUMMARY: Our study proves that robotic ureteroplasty with a lingual mucosal graft is a safe and feasible technique for ureteral reconstruction that can serve as another choice for managing long, complex ureteral strictures.

Should ureteroscopy be performed for patients after ureteral reconstruction with autologous onlay flap/graft?

BACKGROUND: To analyze the safety and clinical significance of performing ureteroscopy after ureteral reconstruction with autologous onlay/graft. To describe the ureteroscopic appearances of the appendiceal onlay flap and lingual mucosa graft. METHODS: Beginning in August 2018, we conducted a prospective cohort study of autologous onlay/graft techniques to repair ureteral strictures. The perioperative data of 42 patients who had undergone surgery more than 6 months prior were collected prospectively. During the postoperative follow-up, ureteroscopy was performed in 27 patients (64.3%) after surgery (group A), and ureteroscopy was not performed in the other 15 patients (35.7%) (group B). We carried out a comparative study of these two groups of patients. Analyses were conducted mainly on complications related to ureteroscopy and the success rate of ureteral reconstruction surgery. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient demographic data or the length of ureteral reconstruction between the two groups (P>0.05). For the ureteroscopy group, the median time from repair surgery to ureteroscopy was 3 (range, 2-7) months, there was no poor healing of the anastomosis, and the ureteral lumen of all patients was unobstructed. Some expected observations can be found in the ureteral lumen, such as mucosa edema, stones, follicles and granulation tissue. Among the 27 patients, one patient (3.7%) developed bleeding intraoperatively and 7 patients (25.9%) were found to have low-grade (Clavien-Dindo I and II) postoperative complications, including 5 cases of fever and 2 cases of bleeding. The mean follow-up times of patients in group A and group B were 16.7±6.4 and 19.0±10.1 months, respectively. The objective success (imaging showed hydronephrosis ease) rate of the two groups was 100%. The subjective success (symptom relief) rates of group A and group B were 96.3% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients after autologous onlay flap/graft ureteroplasty do not need to undergo routine ureteroscopy unless there is aggravation of hydronephrosis or other indications for ureteroscopy, such as stones.

Lingual mucosa graft ureteroplasty for ureteral stricture: a narrative review of the current literature.

Long proximal or middle ureteral strictures remain challenging conditions. Although ileal replacement of the ureter or renal autotransplantation are possible solutions for these problems, both present complexities and considerable morbidity. In recent years, many urologists have tended to use oral mucosal grafts to repair complex proximal or middle ureteral strictures and thereby avoid ileal replacement and renal autotransplantation. A comprehensive search of oral mucosa graft ureteroplasty and lingual mucosa graft (LMG) ureteroplasty was performed. All literatures must be in English language. Most reports related to oral mucosa graft ureteroplasty focus on buccal mucosa grafts (BMGs). The available data about LMG ureteroplasty are limited. Both LMG and BMG are oral mucosa grafts that have similar histological structures. The success rates of urethroplasty with LMG and BMG are similar. Although there is still no comparative study between LMG and BMG for ureteroplasty, the limited reports show that LMG ureteroplasty is safe and effective for the management of ureteral strictures. This method provides one more option for the management of long proximal and/or middle ureteral strictures. However, the current studies on LMG ureteroplasty have a small sample size and are retrospective. More prospective, multicenter and large sample studies with long-term follow-up results that can further prove the efficacy of LMG ureteroplasty are still needed.

Lingual versus buccal mucosal graft for augmentation urethroplasty: a meta-analysis of surgical outcomes and patient-reported donor site morbidity.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at comparing surgical outcomes and patient-reported donor site morbidity between lingual mucosal graft (LMG) and buccal mucosal graft (BMG) through a meta-analysis of comparative studies. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in January 2019 including non-randomized comparative studies and randomized controlled trials (RCT). The assessed data included urethroplasty outcomes, complications, and donor site morbidities such as pain, bleeding, swelling, numbness, difficulty speaking, difficulty eating, mouth opening, and difficulty with tongue protrusion. RESULTS: A total of 632 patients (LMG 323, BMG 309) from 12 comparative studies (four RCTs and eight non-randomized) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall pooled effect estimates revealed no significant difference on reported surgical outcomes and operative stricture-related complications. The LMG group reported a higher proportion of patients with difficulty speaking (RR 6.96, 95% CI 2.04-23.70) and difficulty with tongue protrusion (RR 12.93, 95% CI 3.07-54.51) within 30 days post-op. In comparison, the BMG group had significantly more incidence of early post-procedural donor site swelling (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.25-0.61) and numbness within 30 days post-op (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.23-0.97) and 3-6 months (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30-0.90) post-op. CONCLUSION: The evidence suggests no overall significant difference between LMG and BMG with regard to urethroplasty outcomes at 1-year follow-up. While patients undergoing LMG urethroplasty have a higher chance of experiencing difficulty with speech and difficulty with tongue protrusion within 1 month of surgery, the BMG group is more likely to experience early donor site swelling and mouth opening difficulty within 30 days post-op, as well as oral numbness for up to 6 months.

Posteriorly Augmented Anastomotic Ureteroplasty with Lingual Mucosal Onlay Grafts for Long Proximal Ureteral Strictures: 10 Cases of Experience.

Objective: To share the technique of posteriorly augmented anastomotic ureteroplasty with lingual mucosal onlay grafts for long proximal ureteral strictures as well as our initial experience with the technique. Methods: From October 2018 to September 2019, 10 cases of robotic and laparoscopic posteriorly augmented anastomotic ureteroplasty with lingual mucosal onlay grafts for long proximal ureteral strictures were recruited from our database of Reconstruction of Urinary Tract: Technology, Epidemiology and Result (RECUTTER). The perioperative and follow-up data were recorded. Complete success was defined as the absence of clinical symptoms, relieved stenosis on imaging, and a stable estimated glomerular filtration rate without serious complications. Results: All surgeries were completed without serious complications. There were eight laparoscopic surgeries and two robotic surgeries. The median length of defect after posteriorly augmented anastomosis was 3 cm (range, 3-5 cm). The median length of the lingual mucosa graft was 4 cm (range, 3-5 cm). The median operative time was 237 minutes (range, 189-310 minutes). The median estimated blood loss was 40 mL (range, 10-100 mL). The median postoperative length of stay was 7.5 days (range, 5-22 days). The Double-J stent was removed median 3.5 months (range, 2-7 months) after the surgery. At the median follow-up of 11 months (range, 7-20 months), all patients achieved the successful criteria of treatment. Conclusion: The posteriorly augmented anastomotic ureteroplasty with lingual mucosal onlay grafts for long proximal ureteral strictures is a feasible and safe technique, which may be an option especially for strictures marginally longer than those that can be safely repaired via end-to-end anastomosis.

A new technique for ureteral reconstruction using lingual mucosa grafts in a beagle model.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of ureteral reconstruction using lingual mucosa graft (LMG) and evaluate the histological changes of the engrafted LMG in beagles. METHODS: Twelve male beagle dogs were randomly divided into groups A, B and C (n = 4). A ventral ureteral defect was created by excising half of the ureteral wall. The length of the defect was 3 cm, 6 cm, and 10 cm in groups A, B, and C, respectively. The LMGs were harvested and employed to repair the ureteral defects in onlay fashion. Two dogs per group were sacrificed after 6 months, with additional two dogs per group sacrificed after 12 months. Intravenous urography (IVU) and macroscopic examination were performed to evaluate renal function and ureteral patency. Histological changes in the engrafted LMGs during the tissue incorporation process were assessed by histological analysis. RESULTS: There were no postoperative complications. Only one dog in group C developed a mild stricture near the proximal anastomosis. In the remaining 11 animals, IVU showed normal renal function and a wide ureteral caliber without stricture or fistula. The diameter of the LMG-reconstructed ureter was greater than that of the proximal and distal ureter (each p value < 0.01). The LMGs survived in situ with newly formed capillaries. The epithelium of the lingual mucosa resembled the urothelium in postoperative 12 months. CONCLUSION: This new technique for ureteral reconstruction using LMGs is feasible. This approach is a promising alternative clinical treatment for curing long ureteral strictures.

Laparoscopic and robotic ureteroplasty using onlay flap or graft for the management of long proximal or middle ureteral strictures: our experience and strategy.

PURPOSE: To present our experience of laparoscopic and robotic ureteroplasty using onlay flap or graft for the management of long proximal or middle ureteral strictures and summarize our treatment strategies for these challenging scenarios. METHODS: From March 2018 to January 2020, 53 patients with long proximal/middle ureteral strictures (2-6 cm) who underwent laparoscopic or robotic onlay flap/graft ureteroplasty were retrospectively enrolled. Different reconstruction techniques were chosen based on our management strategy: pelvic flap (PF) was the first choice for proximal stricture if pelvic tissue was sufficient for repair, while appendiceal flap (AF) was preferred over oral mucosa graft for both proximal and middle strictures. RESULTS: A total of 28 PFs, 9 AFs and 16 lingual mucosa grafts (LMGs) onlay ureteroplasty were performed successfully, with 33 laparoscopic procedures and 20 robotic procedures being undertaken. No intraoperative complications or conversion occurred. The median stricture length was 4 cm (range 2-6 cm). Compared with laparoscopic procedures, robotic procedures showed significantly shorter operative time (P = 0.008), shorter postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.011) but higher hospital cost (P < 0.001). At a mean follow-up of 12.8 months, the overall success rate was 94.3%. There was no difference in postoperative complications or the success rate between the approaches. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic and robotic onlay flap/graft ureteroplasty can be safe and feasible to repair long proximal/middle ureteral strictures while robotic procedures showed higher efficiency, faster recovery but higher cost. Our algorithmic strategies may provide beneficial references for their standardization and dissemination into clinical care.

The effect of closure versus nonclosure of lingual mucosa graft harvest site on postoperative morbidity in augmentation urethroplasty: A comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to compare postoperative morbidity of closure versus nonclosure of the lingual mucosa graft (LMG) harvest site in augmentation urethroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2015 to November 2016, a total of 42 patients who underwent LMG urethroplasty randomized in 2 groups. In Group 1, donor-harvesting site was left open while in Group 2, donor site was closed. Self-made questionnaires were to assess postoperative pain, difficulty in tongue protrusion, swelling and numbness in graft harvest site, speech impairment, and difficulty in tolerating liquid and regular diet. RESULTS: Mean visual analog scales score was 7.1 in Group 1, and 7.9 in Group 2 on day 0, which was statistically significant. Nearly 90.47% of patients in closure group and 95.23% in nonclosure group were able to swallow liquid diet on day 0 (P = 0.5604). On day 3, 95.71% of patients in Group 1 and 80% in Group 2 were able to swallow soft diet (P = 0.1604). Numbness was present in 80.95% Group 1 and 71.42% in Group 2 on day 0, which improved to 28.57% pts in Group 1 and 33.33% in Group 2 on day 3. On day 3, slurring of speech was more frequent in closure group (80%). However, at the end of a week, there was no difference in both groups. Saliva production was significantly increased in Group 1 in the 1st week. CONCLUSION: Long-term morbidities of closing or nonclosing the LMG donor site are similar, but in short term, there is less pain, less edema, early recovery of tongue movements in nonclosure groups.

Outcomes of staged lingual mucosal graft urethroplasty for redo hypospadias repair.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to present the outcomes for redo hypospadias repair using lingual mucosal graft (LMG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2012 and February 2017, 47 patients underwent staged LMG urethroplasty for redo hypospadias repair. The inclusion criteria were previous failed hypospadias repair with a paucity of local skin that interferes with correction using skin flaps and demands graft urethroplasty. During the first stage, a well-vascularized bed on the tunica albuginea was created. Then, the harvested LMG was secured to the prepared bed. The second-stage urethroplasty was carried out after six months. In this stage, tubularization of the previously implanted LMG was performed. In four cases, tubularization was difficult owing to graft contracture. This difficulty was managed by using the dorsally degloved penile skin as the onlay island flap in three cases and the buccal mucosa onlay graft in the fourth case. In all cases, a second protective layer from the dartos or tunica vaginalis was developed to cover the neourethra. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of patients at the first stage was 5 (4-6) years, and the median (IQR) duration between both stages was 7 (6-8) months. The median (IQR) follow-up after the second stage was 15 (13-16) months. The median (IQR) number of previous operations was 2 (2-3). The median (IQR) length of the LMG was 3 (2.5-4) cm, and the median (IQR) width was 1 (1-2) cm. No donor-site major complications, but mild oral discomfort in the first week after graft harvesting, were reported in 39 (83%) patients. After the second stage, complications were reported in nine (19.2%) patients, meatal stenosis in five and fistula in four. The reported success rate was 80.9%. DISCUSSION: Reconstruction of previously failed hypospadias is a challenge owing to local tissue scarring and a paucity of adjacent healthy tissue. In this study, the LMG was used in two-stage redo hypospadias repair after previous repair failure. In the present study, a success rate of 80.9% was reported after the second stage. According to this study and the published series, harvesting the LMG is associated with minimal immediate donor-site complications and no long-term morbidity. Another advantage of the LMG is easy harvesting with effortlessly reachable tongue in comparison with the buccal mucosa that is deep and requires application of a mouth retractor. CONCLUSIONS: Two-stage LMG urethroplasty is a reliable procedure for salvage urethroplasty. Lingual mucosal graft harvesting is easy, with minor oral complications.

Analysis of the donor site complications after long-strip lingual mucosal graft for the treatment of long-segment anterior urethral strictures in males / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To analyze the donor site complications of male patients with long segment anterior urethral strictures that underwent urethroplasty by using a long-strip lingual mucosal grafts (LMG) six months later.Methods Between August 2006 and December 2014,a total of 81 patients with long segment anterior urethral stricture underwent a procedure of urethroplasty using a long-strip LMG.The mean patients' age was 41.2 years (range 18-74) and the mean urethral stricture length was 12.1 cm (range,8-20 cm),a single LMG was more than 9 cm.Two techniques of urethroplasty were performed:One-sided dorsal graft augmentation urethroplasty was performed in 70 patients,12 of the 70 patients underwent urethroplasty by using a LMG in addition to a BMG,owing to the presence of very long strictures;Dorsal patch graft urethroplasty was performed in 11 patients.Results Of the 81 patients a single long-strip LMG with length of 9-11 cm was used in 52 patients,LMG measured ≥12 cm in 17,and LMG combined with buccal mucosal graft (BMG) in 12.The mean follow-up period was 41 months (range,15-86 months) postoperatively.The overall urethroplasty success rate was 82.7％.Six months after the operation,28 patients (34.6％) reported a minimal to moderate difficulty in fine motor movement of the tongue (difficulty with spitting tiny fish bones).Among these 28,22 patients (27.2 ％) had associated numbness over the donor site,10 patients (12.3％) had parageusia,and 11 patients (13.6％) reported slurring of speech.The donor site complications occurred higher in patients with LMG length ≥ 12 cm (14/29) than those patients with LMG length ＜ 12 cm (14/52)(x2 =19.049,P ＜0.01).At 12 months,5 patients (6.2％)reported minimal difficulty in fine motor movement of the tongue,and reduced to 1 patient at 24 months.Conclusions The donor side complications after long-strip lingual mucosal graft for the treatment of longsegment anterior urethral strictures are primarily limited to the first postoperative year,the incidence of complications appeared to be related to the length of the harvested graft.

Comparison study on donor site complications between buccal and lingual oral mucosal grafts harvesting for urethroplasty / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To compare donor site complications of buccal or lingual mucosa grafts harvesting for substitution urethroplasty.Methods From June 2014 to December 2016,a total of 50 patients who were diagnosed anterior urethral strictures or hypospadias underwent buccal or lingual mucosa grafts urethroplasty.The mean age of the patients was 43.6 years (range 32-56 years).25 patients used buccal mucosa grafts (BMG group) for urethroplasty with the median age of 43.1 years (range 32-54 years);the other 25 patients received lingual mucosa grafts (LMG group) for urethroplasty,aged 44.2 years (range 35-56 years).Patients were evaluated for postoperative oral pain morbidity using the visual analogue pain scale (0-10) as well as an questionnaire for difficulty with eating,speech impairment,dysgeusia,tightness of the mouth.The evaluations were carried out at 3 days,2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively.Results In BMG group,the length and width of the graft was (5.24 ± 0.89) cm and (1.48 ± 0.50) cm;the graft length was (5.68 ± 0.90) cm and the width was (1.56 ± 0.51) cm in LMG group.There was no difference between the two groups.The mean followup time was (7.8 ± 1.2) months (6-12 months).The median visual analogue pain scale scores of the BMG group 3 days,2 weeks after surgery was 5.84 ±0.85,3.04 ±0.45,and the LMG group 7.20 ±0.57,4.16 ±0.62,respectively,with no statistical difference between two groups.The incidence of events with LMG group versus the BMG group were as follows:difficulty with eating (64％ vs.24％,P =0.004),speech impairment (92％ vs.56％,P=0.004) and dysgeusia (48％ vs.16％,P =0.015)at day 3.The difficulty of eating,speech impairment and dysgeusia of BMG group were lower than that of the LMG group(16％ vs.32％,P =0.031;8％ vs.40％,P =0.008;12％ vs.40％,P =0.024) two weeks after the surgery,whereas the incidence of tightness of the mouth was higher in BMG group(36％ vs.12％,P =0.04).After 3 months,36％ and 32％ of patients treated with buccal and lingual mucosa grafts urethroplasty still reported sensitivity perioral numbness(P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Oral mucosa grafts are good for substitution urethroplasty,but also with some donor site complications.The early postoperative complications are more common in lingual mucosa graft donor site.Buccal mucosa may be used as the preferred graft for urethroplasty.Lingual mucosal graft may be considered in cases of unavailable buccal mucosa graft or the length of the graft not enough and combined graft treatment.

Substitution urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture repair: comparison between lingual mucosa graft and pedicled skin flap.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and outcomes of lingual mucosa graft (LMG) urethroplasty versus pedicled skin flap (PSF) urethroplasty in the repair of anterior urethral strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study in one urological center examined 293 male patients with anterior urethral strictures who received substitution urethroplasty from 2006 to 2015. Of these, 199 patients received PSF urethroplasty and 94 received LMG urethroplasty. The causes of stricture included catheter damage, transurethral instrumentation, trauma, infection, tumor and radiotherapy. Strictures caused by lichen sclerosus, hypospadias repair or failed urethroplasty were excluded. The success rate of PSF versus LMG in different urethra positions was analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, PSF and LMG had similar success rates (83.4% vs 85.1%, p = 0.713). In distal penile urethra, penile skin flaps and LMG achieved similar success rates (87.7% vs 82.1%, p = 0.297), but in proximal penile urethra, scrotal flaps had relatively low success rates (69.0% vs LMG 83.3%, p = 0.345) and in bulbar urethra, perineal skin flaps had significantly lower success rates than LMG (66.7% vs 92.3%, p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Lingual mucosa is a good material for the repair of urethral defects and achieves results similar to or even better than those of PSF. Scrotal skin and perineal skin had lower success rates.

Use of Alternative Techniques and Grafts in Urethroplasty.

The current management for complex urethral strictures commonly uses open reconstruction with buccal mucosa urethroplasty. However, there are multiple situations whereby buccal mucosa is inadequate (eg, pan-urethral stricture or prior buccal harvest) or inappropriate for utilization (eg, heavy tobacco use or oral radiation). Multiple options exist for use as alternatives or adjuncts to buccal mucosa in complex urethral strictures. This article reviews the current state of alternate techniques for urethral stricture treatment besides buccal mucosa, including injectable antifibrotic agents, augmentation urethroplasty with skin flaps, lingual mucosa, colonic mucosa, and new developments in tissue engineering for urethral graft material.

Laparoscopic onlay lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty for proximal ureteral stricture: initial experience and 9-month follow-up.

PURPOSE: We present our initial experience and 9-month outcomes of the novel technique of laparoscopic onlay lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty for proximal ureteral stricture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In June 2015, transperitoneal laparoscopic onlay lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty was performed on a male patient with proximal stricture of the left ureter. The patient complained with left frank pain. Severe hydronephrosis and proximal ureteral dilatation were noted through ultrasonography and CT scan. The length of upper ureteral stricture was 30 mm including 10-mm occlusion. A 46 mm in length and 15 mm in width lingual mucosa graft was harvested from the ventral of the tongue and placed in the strictured ureter as a ventral onlay for laparoscopic ureteroplasty. Operative time, intraoperative, and postoperative complications were well recorded. Follow-up was performed with renal ultrasound, CT scan, and nuclear scan renography as well as clinical assessment of symptoms. RESULTS: The new technique was performed successful without intraoperative and postoperative complications. Neither hydronephrosis nor proximal ureteral dilatation in the left side was found through ultrasonography 3, 6, 9 months and CT scan 6 month postoperatively. The left renal function, glomerular filtration rate, had a recovery from 9.6 ml/min preoperatively to 14.0 ml/min at 6-month follow-up, and the patient has no complaints about the donor site and flank pain. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, we present the initial experience with laparoscopic onlay lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty for proximal ureteral stricture. With 9-month outcomes, the new technique appears to be an excellent option for proximal ureteral stricture.

One-stage dorsal lingual mucosal graft urethroplasty for the treatment of failed hypospadias repair / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the outcomes of patients who underwent one-stage onlay or inlay urethroplasty using a lingual mucosal graft (LMG) after failed hypospadias repairs. Inclusion criteria included a history of failed hypospadias repair, insufficiency of the local skin that made a reoperation with skin flaps difficult, and necessity of an oral mucosal graft urethroplasty. Patients were excluded if they had undergone a failed hypospadias repair using the foreskin or a multistage repair urethroplasty. Between January 2008 and December 2012, 110 patients with failed hypospadias repairs were treated in our center. Of these patients, 56 underwent a one-stage onlay or inlay urethroplasty using LMG. The median age was 21.8 years (range: 4-45 years). Of the 56 patients, one-stage onlay LMG urethroplasty was performed in 42 patients (group 1), and a modified Snodgrass technique using one-stage inlay LMG urethroplasty was performed in 14 (group 2). The median LMG urethroplasty length was 5.6 ± 1.6 cm (range: 4-13 cm). The mean follow-up was 34.7 months (range: 10-58 months), and complications developed in 12 of 56 patients (21.4%), including urethrocutaneous fistulas in 7 (6 in group 1, 1 in group 2) and neourethral strictures in 5 (4 in group 1, 1 in group 2). The total success rate was 78.6%. Our survey suggests that one-stage onlay or inlay urethroplasty with LMG may be an effective option to treat the patients with less available skin after failed hypospadias repairs; LMG harvesting is easy and safe, irrespective of the patient's age.

Selection of procedures in one stage urethroplasty for treatment of the coexistence of urethral stricture in the anterior and posterior urethra / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To explore selection of the procedures in one stage urethroplasty for treatment of the coexistence of urethral strictures in anterior and posterior urethra.Methods Between January 2008 and December 2014, a total of 27 patients with coexist strictures simultaneously in anterior urethra and posterior urethra were treated in our hospital.The mean age was 38 years old (ranging 13-83 years old.Stricture etiology was secondary to lichen sclerosus in 2 patients, iatrogenic in 3 and posttraumatic in 22.The mean length of urethral stricture was 11cm (ranging 6-14cm).Two procedures for treatment of anterior urethral stricture, including augmentation of urethroplasty using penile skin flap was performed in 20 patients and augmentation of urethroplasty using lingual mucosa in 7.Three procedures for treatment of posterior urethral stricture, including non-transecting spongiosum end to end anastomosis of the two urethral ends was performed in 3 patients, end to end anastomosis of the two urethral ends was performed in 17 and substitution urethroplasty using different tissues was performed in reminder 7 patients.Of them, pedicle scrotal skin urethroplasty was performed in 2 patients and lingual mucosal graft urethroplasty in 5 patients.Results The patients were mean followed up 2.6 years (ranging 0.545.0 years) with an overall success rate of 88.9％ (24 of 27 cases).Complications developed in 3 patients (11.1％).Of the 17 patients with end to end anastomosis, urethral stricture developed respectively 4 and 6 months in 2 patients and voiding well after pedicle scrotal skin urethroplasty.Urethral pseudodiverticulum developed 9 months after pedicle penile flap urethroplasty in another patient and voiding well after urethroplasty.Urethrography showed patent urethra with adequate lumen in the remaining patients and mean urinary peak flows was 21.3 ml/s (ranging 14.2-37.9 ml/s).Conclusions Substitution urethroplasty using penile skin or oral mucosa was more good procedure for anterior urethral stricture during the treatment of the coexistence of urethral stricture in the anterior and posterior urethra.The treatment of posterior urethral stricture was based on the length of the stricture, local condition to make a choice between anastomotic urethral reconstruction and substitution urethroplasty using other tissue.