[Value of uroflowmetry in a long-term follow-up study in hypospadias surgery]

Many authors have shown the role of uroflowmetry in the follow-up of patients operated on for hypospadias. This technique has also been used to assess the validity of the operative technique.

Sixty patients have been selected among those operated on for hypospadias from January 1990 till January 1996 at the Pediatric Surgery Department of the Second University of Naples, Italy. These patients underwent uroflowmetry with a rotating disk sensor at clinic. Postoperative time at uroflowmetry ranged between 6 months and 6 years. Flow pattern, maximum flow rate (Q max) and mean flow rate (Q ave) were measured. Results are expressed as percentiles and compared with those obtained from Toguri. Q max and Q ave greater than 25 degrees percentile were considered normal; Q max and Q ave between 25 degrees and 5 degrees percentile were considered query obstructed; Q max and Q ave below the 5 degrees percentile were considered obstructed.

Forty-two patients (70%) presented values above the 25 degrees centile, 8 patients (13.4%) presented an obstructed-like flow and 10 children (16.6%) showed a query obstructed flow. Three patients from the latter group presented within three months an obstructed-like flow.

Uroflowmetry is an important tool in the follow-up of patients operated on for hypospadias that are at risk for stenosis and then requiring a further treatment, either dilatation or surgery.