The use of octyl cyanoacrylate (superglue) in hypospadias repair including its use as a fixator for urethral stents.

BACKGROUND

Octyl cyanoacrylate has been used for many years for simple skin closure, but its use in hypospadias repair and as a urethral stent fixator has not been previously reported. We report our experience.

METHOD

A retrospective study was performed of all children undergoing hypospadias surgery from July 2007 to July 2011. Octyl cyanoacrylate was used for skin closure after placing a few sutures to align the skin edges. No other dressing was used. A urethral stent, if used, was glued to the penis and removed after one week.

RESULTS

Seventy two procedures were performed on 37 patients. Eight distal hypospadias (22%) underwent single stage repair. Seventeen (46%) underwent staged repair for severe hypospadias, and twelve (32%) "hypospadiac cripples" underwent various salvage procedures. One patient (1/72) had partial dehiscence, and one stent dislodged. There were no wound infections. Four (4/25) tabularized urethroplasties developed a fistula (16%).

CONCLUSION

Octyl cyanoacrylate is easy to apply on difficult hypospadias contours. It forms a strong, waterproof adhesive bond which separates from epithelial surfaces in 7 to 10 days and makes it an effective urethral stent fixator and an ideal dressing for hypospadias surgery.