Single stage reconstruction of complex anterior urethral strictures: combined tissue transfer techniques

Reconstruction of most urethral strictures is possible with anastomotic, graft or skin flap procedures alone. We describe the combination of tissue transfer techniques to preserve the urethral plate and reconstruct long and complex urethral strictures in 1 stage.

We reviewed the results in 25 patients who underwent anterior urethroplasty requiring more than 1 tissue transfer technique to achieve urethral reconstruction in 1 stage.

Outcome was excellent in 22 patients (88%). Seven patients with pan-urethral strictures (mean length 19 cm.) required a fasciocutaneous flap combined with a buccal mucosa, bladder epithelium or skin graft. A total of 13 patients with focally dense strictures underwent excision of the most severe portion of the stricture with dorsal reapproximation, thereby improving the quality of the urethral plate and allowing simultaneous flap or graft onlay reconstruction. Five patients with multiple separate strictures required a distal onlay fasciocutaneous flap with excision and end-to-end anastomosis of a separate, more proximal stricture.

A thorough knowledge of the vascular supply of the urethra allowed creative application of different tissue transfer techniques, enabling 1-stage reconstruction of complex urethral strictures. An excellent outcome was achieved by preserving or revising the urethral plate and avoiding the problems associated with hair-bearing flaps and 2-stage procedures.