The evolution of penile reconstruction in epispadias repair: a report of 180 cases

From 1978 to 1993, 180 boys with epispadias (85) and the exstrophy/epispadias complex (95) underwent epispadias reconstruction at our institution. The 180 patients were divided into 4 groups: group 1--2-stage epispadias reconstruction with dissection of the corporo (30 patients), group 2--pedicled preputial tube urethroplasty either alone or with a lyophilized human dural patch to the corpora for correction of penile deformity (35), group 3--pedicled preputial tube urethroplasty and corporeal rotation (40), and group 4--a modified Cantwell epispadias repair incorporating complete tubularized urethroplasty, cavernocavernostomy and corporeal rotation. In 46 patients from groups 1 to 3 the primary outcome was not considered satisfactory and they underwent radical penile revision with the modified Cantwell technique. Followup ranges from 1 to 15 years (mean 6 years). We conclude that a good cosmetic result can be achieved in almost all cases using the modified Cantwell technique as a primary procedure in experienced hands. This technique has a low complication rate and can be used as a salvage procedure following previous unsuccessful epispadias reconstruction using other techniques.