Dorsal free graft urethroplasty.

PURPOSE

Dorsal free graft urethroplasty was performed to reduce the incidence of urethrocele.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We treated 12 patients with penile and 13 with bulbous strictures. Of the 13 patients with a bulbous stricture 6 received a dorsally placed tube graft and 7 received a patch graft.

RESULTS

Temporary fistulas were seen on postoperative urethrography in 5 cases but they all resolved spontaneously. At a mean followup of 35.8 months clinical and radiological findings were excellent in 23 cases and good in 2. No signs of graft weakening, such as post-void dribbling or diminished ejaculation, were apparent.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of free skin grafts for urethral reconstruction is anatomically healthier in the dorsal than in the ventral position.