Long-term followup of cosmetic appearance and genital function in male epispadias: review of 70 patients.

In male patients who undergo surgery for epispadias the major postoperative complaint often concerns the cosmetic appearance of the penis and the failure to correct the dorsal chordee rather than the urinary incontinence. In the past straightening and lengthening of the penis were not given adequate consideration, and penile elongation was limited to release of dorsal skin chordee only. Recently, however, additional penile length has been achieved by partial mobilization of the crura of the corpora cavernosa from the pubic rami. In a series of 70 patients penile lengthening and urethroplasty were performed separately or were combined as a 1-stage procedure with full thickness grafts or preputial flaps. The recent use of hair-bearing groin flaps has provided excellent skin coverage for the large dorsal defect at the penoabdominal angle. A satisfactory cosmetic appearance of the external genitalia, with a straight penis angulated downward in the standing position, was achieved in 67 per cent of the patients. Normal erectile function was preserved in all patients, 80 per cent of whom have had a straight penis with erection and satisfactory intercourse. Of the patients 29 are married and 19 have fathered children. Meticulous attention to the technical aspects of reconstructive surgery usually can result in a gratifying cosmetic appearance, normal genital function and preservation of fertility potential in most patients.