Pelvic Fracture Urethral Distraction Defects in Preschool Boys: How to Recognize and Manage?

OBJECTIVE

To share the cases of pelvic fracture urethral distraction defect (PFUDD) in preschool boys and evaluate the transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty strategy for the treatment of these cases.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Between January 2010 and May 2021, 8 preschool boys (<6 years) with PFUDD underwent the transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty in our center were retrospectively reviewed. Etiology was traumatic pelvic fracture in all boys. The type of trauma included: fall injury in 1 and vehicle crush injury in 7. Urethroplasty was performed at least 3 months after initial trauma or the last failed intervention. One of them suffered from PFUDD associated with urethrorectal fistula received urethroplasty combined with fistula repair. A successful urethroplasty was defined as restoring the patency and continuity of urethra and no further interventions were needed.

RESULTS

Follow-up was obtained in all the 8 preschool boys for 3-135 (median: 65) months. The average age was 4.1 years old (range 1-5). After operation, the final success rate was 100%. Neither stenosis recurrence nor urinary fistulas were reported during follow-up. Of the 8 boys, 1 developed urinary incontinence, only occurring after high-intensity exercise such as running. Potency state could not be evaluated for all boys due to the young age. One boy reported having normal morning erection after a follow-up of 135 months.

CONCLUSION

PFUDD in preschool boys is a challenge for both the urologist and parent. Our study preliminarily confirmed that the progressive anastomotic urethroplasty strategy can ensure a high success rate.