Abstract
Introduction: This study was designed to evaluate the supportive role of spongioplasty during tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty repair of hypospadias.
Methods: All non-toilet trained children who underwent TIP repair for primary hypospadias by 1 surgeon over a 30-month period were included in our study. The divergent spongiosa was mobilized off the corpora cavernosa and was rotated toward the midline to wrap the neourethra. A dartos flap was used to cover the neourethra. The neourethra was calibrated immediately after surgery in all patients. A urethral stent was left in place only when difficult calibration was encountered. Complications and cosmetic appearance were documented at last follow-up.
Results: Thirty-two consecutive patients with a mean age of 18 (standard deviation [SD] 6) months were included in the study. The defects were distal and mid-shaft in 26 patients (81.3%) and proximal-shaft in 6 (18.8%). No intraoperative catheterization difficulties were encountered and all repairs were non-stented. Antibiotics and anticholinergics were not required. Mean follow-up was 9 (SD 6) months. Urinary extravasation developed in 1 patient (3.1%) on the second postoperative day. A urethral catheter was easily inserted and left indwelling for 5 days. One patient presented 6 days postoperatively with suspected voiding difficulty. Urethral calibration was easily performed excluding any mechanical obstruction. There were no urinary fistulae and reoperation was not required. An excellent cosmetic appearance was achieved in all patients.
Conclusion: TIP urethroplasty is a versatile operation that can be performed in almost all cases of penile hypospadias. A nonstented technique for hypospadias repair simplifies postoperative care and obviates the need for antibiotics and anticholinergics. We believe that spongioplasty provides good support to the neourethra and the hypoplastic distal urethra that may facilitate catheterization in the immediate and early postoperative periods, if required. Future controlled study is warranted to further evaluate the role of spongioplasty.