Scrotal dartos flap for the prevention of the urethrocutaneous fistula on hypospadias urethroplasty.

BACKGROUND

Urethrocutaneous fistula is a common complication of urethroplasty for severe hypospadias, even when a microsurgical technique is applied.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

From June 2001 to July 2003, we applied the scrotal dartos flap wrapping technique to prevent the occurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula in 14 patients with hypospadias.

RESULTS

Hypospadias was repaired without fistula formation in all but one patient, who developed a tiny fistula which was later closed successfully by a simple procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend the scrotal dartos wrapping technique for covering the neourethra with a well-vascularized flap because of fewer complications, although the procedure to obtain the vascularized flap may take longer.