Fistulas of the penile urethra.

Urethral fistula, the most common complication of urethroplasty, is discussed. There has been no classification for these disorders, and the plethora of reconstruction procedures available often leads to confusion. The classification presented here for acquired fistulas attempts to give direction in the selection of appropriate management in individual cases. Early, acute fistulas are managed conservatively. In the case of mature single fistulas, local tissue may be used for surgical repair. These are subdivided, depending on the size of the opening. Chronic, multiple, large lesions draining the urethra require tissue from a distance for repair. In severe surgical cripples, a total new urethral reconstruction will be required. A new technique to expose the urethra, allowing correction of urethral fistulas with stricture and diverticulum, is described.