Male epispadias repair: surgical and functional results with the Cantwell-Ransley procedure in 40 patients.

PURPOSE

We present our experience using the Cantwell-Ransley epispadias technique, particularly focusing on postoperative anatomical and functional complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1989 and 1997, 40 patients 1 to 28 years old underwent the Cantwell-Ransley technique for epispadias at our institution. The condition was isolated in 17 cases and associated with exstrophy in 23. Surgery involved a primary and secondary procedure in 29 and 11 patients, respectively. Cavernocavernostomy was performed in only 16 cases.

RESULTS

At a mean followup of 3 years 18 patients (45%) had complications and needed further procedures, and 3 (7.5%) had major wound dehiscence. The complication rate was higher in the exstrophy than in the isolated epispadias group (65 versus 28%) and urethral complications were consistently associated with previous urethral plate sectioning. In 1 patient major and persistent loss of continence was probably related to prolonged transurethral bladder drainage. All 17 patients in the postpubertal group report erections, although 1 who did not undergo cavernocavernostomy still complains of dorsal curvature. In 36 patients (90%) a fully satisfactory anatomical and functional result was achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

The Cantwell-Ransley technique of epispadias repair allows successful reconstruction in most patients. However, postoperative complications, some of which are serious, may develop that are more associated with previous procedures that compromise the blood supply to the urethral plate than the Cantwell-Ransley technique.