Buccal mucosal grafts for urethral reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Urethral reconstruction presents challenges, especially with limited genital tissue availability.
• Buccal mucosa has emerged as a potential alternative graft material.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of using buccal mucosa for urethral replacement in complex cases across three centers.
• To assess the suitability of buccal mucosa as a graft material in patients with prior failed hypospadias repairs, urethral strictures, or penile carcinoma.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 22 urethral reconstructions using buccal mucosa grafts between 1991 and 1996.
• Grafts harvested from the inner cheek or lower lip, utilized as onlay (6 cases) or tubularized (16 cases) grafts.
• Analysis of patient demographics, surgical techniques, and complication rates.

Main Results:

• Twenty-two urethral reconstructions were performed using buccal mucosa grafts.
• Complications included donor site issues (2 patients), meatal stenosis (2), urethral fistula (4), and urethral stricture (3).
• All reported complications were successfully managed.

Conclusions:

• Buccal mucosa is a highly effective graft material for complex urethral reconstructions.
• Its ready availability, abundant supply, and favorable graft survival properties make it ideal for urethroplasty.
• Buccal mucosa facilitates successful outcomes in challenging reconstructive urological surgery.