Tubularized incised-plate urethroplasty for proximal hypospadias

To report the experience of one surgeon using tubularized incised-plate (TIP) urethroplasty to repair proximal hypospadias in a consecutive series of boys.

The records of 33 consecutive patients with midshaft to scrotal hypospadias undergoing TIP repair by one surgeon were reviewed. Dorsal plication was used as necessary for penile straightening, to preserve the urethral plate. Standard TIP urethroplasty was undertaken, and the follow-up included the selective use of neourethral calibration and urethroscopy.

Plication was necessary in 18 (55%) patients. The incised plate had a supple appearance in all but two boys. The mean (range) follow-up was 9 (1-48) months and included calibration in 16 (48%) and urethroscopy in 13 (39%) patients. Complications were noted in 11 (33%) boys, of whom seven (21%) developed small fistulae. The two patients in whom the incised plate appeared unhealthy had dehiscence of the repair and contracture of the neourethra with recurrent penile curvature, respectively. There was one meatal stenosis and one short neourethral stricture.

TIP urethroplasty can be used to repair proximal hypospadias in the absence of severe penile curvature, and if the incised urethral plate has a supple appearance. As with distal hypospadias repair, the procedure creates a normal-appearing penis with a slit-like meatus.