Perineal hypospadias: the Bilateral Based (BILAB) skin flap technique

The purpose of this study was to present the "bilateral based skin flap (BILAB) technique" for patients with perineal hypospadias associated with severe deep chordee and report the follow up.

The short urethral plate is incised, the hypoplastic corpus spongiosum excised, the glans split in the midline, and a healthy urethral plate is reconstructed from the lateral penile skin and foreskin to the tip of the glans.

Between January 2005 and December 2011, the BILAB technique was performed in 68 patients with perineal hypospadias associated with severe chordee as a one or two stage repair. The records of 63 patients who maintained regular follow up were reviewed. The new urethra was reconstructed from the new urethral plate during the same setting in 26 patients. The remaining 37 patients had the urethroplasty performed 3-6 months later as a two stage repair. Patient age ranged from 8 months and 2 years (mean 10 months). Follow-up period ranged from 18 months to 8 years (mean 43 months).

Satisfactory results were obtained in 54 patients (85%). Two children developed diverticula, two patients developed glans dehiscence, one child developed fistula, and one child had complete wound dehiscence, and urethroplasty was successfully reconstructed 6 months later. Three patients developed scar contraction 6-12 months after surgery. This was corrected by excision of the scarred intermediate layer.

The BILAB technique is a reliable technique for patients with perineal hypospadias. It produces slit like meatus at the tip of the glans. The surgeon may decide intra-operatively whether to complete the urethroplasty in one or two stages. Long term follow up until puberty is being carried out.