Outcome analysis of tunica vaginalis flap for the correction of recurrent urethrocutaneous fistula in children

Abstract

Purpose: Urethrocutaneous fistula is the most common (2% to 10%) complication of hypospadias surgery. The correction of such fistula is associated with a 10% to 40% failure rate. The key measure to ensure a successful repair is separation of the suture lines in the urethra and skin, using well vascularized elastic tissue. If the dartos fascia is unavailable and local penile skin is fibrotic as a result of previous operations, a tunica vaginalis flap may be considered. We report our experience with tunica vaginalis flap as an adjunct to fistula repair.

Materials and methods: We used tunica vaginalis flap for the repair of recurrent urethrocutaneous fistulas in 14 children with a mean age of 7.6 years (range 3 to 15). All patients had undergone previous hypospadias repairs and previous attempts to close the fistula had failed. The mean number of fistulas per patient was 1.6 (range 1 to 4), and the locations were perineal (1), penoscrotal (3), midshaft (10), and subcoronal (8). The mean number of failed previous closures with local penile skin flaps was 2.4 (range 1 to 5). Surgery was initiated by injecting povidone solution via the urethral meatus to identify all fistulas. Calibration or cystoscopy excluded distal urethral strictures. Surgery was performed using a microscope and fistulas were closed primarily in 12 patients and with an onlay island flap in 2. The urethral suture line was covered with a flap of tunica vaginalis, which was harvested through a small scrotal incision and mobilized via a subcutaneous tunnel into the penis. The testis was then fixed to the scrotum. A urethral stent with or without suprapubic catheter drainage provided urinary diversion for 2 to 7 days.

Results: The repair was successful in all patients. During a mean followup of 44 months (range 8 to 60) there was no evidence of recurrent fistulas or urethral strictures. Penile cosmesis was excellent, and all parents reported a straight penis when erected. No postoperative complications were encountered in the testicles.

Conclusions: Repair of recurrent urethrocutaneous fistulas with a tunica vaginalis flap is highly effective regardless of fistula location. This flap is easy to mobilize and provides excellent coverage of the urethral suture line. It is a simple procedure with no complications to the testicles.