[Penile disassembly technique: a new approach in the surgical reconstruction of hypospadias]

We report our experiences with penile disassembly technique in the treatment of severe hypospadias. During a period from November 1995 to December 1997 the technique was applied to 102 patients, aged from 9 months to 32 years. The principle of the technique involves separation of the penis into its component parts: glans cap with neurovascular bundle (dorsally) together with undivided or divided urethra and urethral plate (ventrally), and corpora cavernosa. After correction of the curvature and different techniques of urethroplasty the penile entities are joined into normal anatomical relationships. Our goal was also to achieve some degree of penile enlargement in small hypospadiac penises. The patients were followed from 4 to 29 months (mean 19.2 months). Straightening of the penis was achieved in all cases without recurrence of curvature. Complications were related to urethroplasty: 3 urethral stenoses, 2 fistulas and 2 diverticulum. Penile disassembly technique is very effective for most severe hypospadias. Possibility of penile augmentation is real with this technique.