A 1-year randomized controlled trial to compare the outcome of primary repair of hypospadias with vascular cover using tunica vaginalis flap with those using preputial dartos fascia.

BACKGROUND

: Tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty is the most common technique noted to correct hypospadias. However, urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) is still one of the most common complications of this technique. Several techniques of providing vascularized flaps to the neourethra have been recommended to decrease this complication rate. The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of primary repair of hypospadias using tunica vaginalis (TV) flap with those using preputial dartos (PD) fascia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

: Children diagnosed with hypospadias between the age group of 9 months to 18 years, who fulfilled the criteria were randomly divided into two groups by computerized randomization technique. Initially, TIP urethroplasty was done. Children with PD vascular cover were included in Group A and those with TV vascular cover were included in Group B. All the patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

: Two (10%) patients in Group A developed UCF and one (5%) patient developed stricture urethra in the follow-up period. None of the patients developed UCF in the Group B. One (5%) patient had stricture urethra in Group B. Two (10%) patient developed meatal stenosis in Group A. Two (10%) patient in Group B developed meatal stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

TV flap could be an alternative to PD flap as a vascular cover of neourethra in patients undergoing primary hypospadias repair by TIP urethroplasty.