The buccal mucosal graft for urethral reconstruction: a preliminary report.

Autologous buccal mucosa as a substitute for urethral epithelium was studied in 2 dogs and used in 6 patients with difficult urethral reconstruction problems. The indications for an operation in these patients were failed hypospadias repairs with limited skin in 3, severe structure disease after hypospadias repair in 1, a short urethra in 1 and epispadias in 1. Three urethral fistulas and 1 meatal stenosis occurred in 3 patients. No urethral stricture or diverticulum was noted, and the final outcome was good functionally and cosmetically in all patients. This technique is useful for urethral reconstruction when local skin is not available.