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Histology of the urethral plate: implications for hypospadias repair
W Snodgrass1, K Patterson, J C Plaire
1Division of Pediatric Urology, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Purpose:
We define the histology of the urethral plate in boys with hypospadias.
Materials And Methods:
Subepithelial biopsies of the urethral plate were obtained in 17 boys, including 13 with distal and 4 with penoscrotal hypospadias. Ventral penile curvature was noted in 5 cases. Specimens were evaluated by 7 light microscopy after hematoxylin and eosin staining.
Results:
All biopsies demonstrated well vascularized connective tissue comprised of smooth muscle and collagen. There was no evidence of fibrous bands or dysplastic tissue.
Conclusions:
The urethral plate consists of epithelium overlying connective tissue. We found no histological evidence of fibrous cords historically considered responsible for chordee.