[Reconstruction of complex urethral stricture with free postauricular graft]

To explore and describe the clinical feasibility and value of reconstruction of complex urethral stricture with free postauricular graft.

Urethroplasties with free postauricular grafts were performed in 17 patients with complex urethral strictures, including 6 cases in anterior urethras and 11 cases in posterior urethras. The grafts were transplanted onto the opened urethras in the first stage; 6 months later, the new urethras were shaped with the second stage urethroplasties in 14 patients. There patients succeeded in single-stage urethroplasties. The urethras and bladders were washed with antibiotic solution everyday after urethroplasties.

Good and satisfactory results were obtained in 15 cases 6 months after urethroplasties, regardless of the strictured sites and lengths. Maximal urinary flow rates ranged 14-32 ml/s. There were 2 cases accompanied with complications 6 months after urethroplasties, 1 case of fistula was repaired, 1 case of severe urethral stricture was reconstructed with opposite side free postauricular graft later. Three patients had mild urethral strictures 6 months after urethroplasties, they were cured with urethral dilatations for 4-8 times.

Reconstruction of complex urethral stricture with free postauricular graft is a good and effective method to treat long or complex urethral strictures, especially for patients without adequate foreskin or penis skin.