[Rectal biopsies in radioproctopathy]. / Urorektal fistulering efter rektalbiopsier vid strålproktopati.

It is generally recommended to refrain from taking rectal biopsies in radioproctopathy. Herein we describe the clinical characteristics of urorectal fistulas after such biopsies in five patients. Conservative treatment is rarely successful. Diagnostic difficulties and comorbidities limiting the possibilities for radical surgical treatment options (i e pelvic exenteration) for urorectal fistulas are discussed.

Current practice of diagnosis and treatment for rectourethral fistula in male patients with anorectal malformation: a multicenter questionnaire survey in Japan.

PURPOSE: Surgical procedures for anorectoplasty for anorectal malformations (ARMs), particularly rectourethral fistula (RUF), depend on the institution. We investigated the diagnosis and treatment of RUF in male patients with ARMs in Japan using a questionnaire survey. METHODS: An online survey inquiring about the diagnosis and treatment (diagnostic modalities, surgical approaches, fistula dissection devices, and fistula closure techniques) of each type of ARM in male patients was conducted among institutional members of the Japanese Study Group of Anorectal Anomalies. Fisher's exact test was used to compare surgical methods between posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) and laparoscopy-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP). RESULTS: Sixty-one institutions (100%) completed the survey. LAARP was the preferred approach for high-type ARM (75.4%). PSARP was preferred for intermediate-type ARM (59.0%). Monopolar devices were most commonly used (72.1%) for RUF dissection. Blunt dissection was more frequent in the PSARP group (PSARP vs. LAARP: 55.6 vs. 20.0%, p < 0.005). Cystoscopy/urethroscopy to confirm the extent of dissection was used more frequently in the LAARP group (70.0% vs. 25.0%, p < 0.005). Clips and staplers were used more frequently in the LAARP group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Distinct fistula management strategies for PSARP and LAARP were revealed. Further studies are needed to investigate the postoperative outcomes associated with these practices.

Human umbilical cord allograft associated with higher pediatric urethrocutaneous fistula repair success rates.

BACKGROUND: Urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) formation is a known complication following hypospadias repair, affecting between 5 and 70% of cases. Moreover, approximately 30% of patients experience refistulization after UCF repair. The use of extracellular matrices, such as AmnioCord, a dehydrated human umbilical cord allograft manufactured by MiMedx®, may mitigate high rates of refistulization. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the use of AmnioCord during UCF repair is associated with reduced incidence of subsequent UCFs among pediatric patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed among 60 patients who underwent at least one UCF repair at a pediatric hospital in a large urban setting in the U.S. between January 2012-June 2018. Patients were followed through January 2024. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Adjusted generalized estimating equation regression models were used to assess the association between AmnioCord use and rates of refistulization, while controlling for confounding variables. RESULTS: The number of fistula presentations per patient ranged from one to four; 53.3% had one fistula, 30.0% had two, and 16.6% had three or more. Overall fistula repair success rate was 56.8% but significantly differed by AmnioCord use in adjusted modelling; 69.4% of cases that received AmnioCord were successfully repaired, compared to 47.2% of cases that did not receive AmnioCord. In adjusted models, patients who received AmnioCord had 2.66 times greater odds of surgical success than patients who did not receive AmnioCord (95% CI:1.13-6.24; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a positive association between AmnioCord use and successful UCF closure among pediatric patients.

Arterio-ureteral fistula from a pseudoaneurysm of the right common iliac artery after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy: A case report.

Arterio-ureteral fistulas (AUFs), which are relatively rare but potentially life-threatening, require prompt diagnosis and treatment. We reported a case of AUFs following robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC) with extended pelvic lymph node dissection and ileal conduit urinary diversion for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, which resulted in massive hemorrhage. Urine leaked from the anastomosis between the ureter, and the end of the ileal conduit was infected, which resulted in an AUF between the pseudoaneurysm of the right common iliac artery and the ureter. The AUF was managed successfully by vascular intervention with an arterial stent graft.

[A Case of Urethral Foreign Body from 40 Years Ago with Scrotum Abscess and Urethroscrotal Fistula].

A 70-year-old male came to our clinic with a high fever and left scrotal swelling. Following a diagnosis of left-side epididymitis, antibiotic treatment was started, though the swelling did not improve. Since an additional examination revealed an abscess in the left scrotum, scrotal incision and drainage were performed. Although the symptoms subsided, urine outflow from the incision was observed. The patient then noted that he had inserted a glass ball into the urethral meatus when he was about 30 years old. It was considered that an abscess and fistula had formed due to inflammation caused by the foreign body. Thus a transurethral surgical procedure was used for crushing and removal. The fistula disappeared within three months after the operation and the patient has not been affected by dysuria since that time. Symptoms may appear several years following insertion of a foreign body into the urethra. To the best of our knowledge, the present case is the longest term of indwelling, approximately 40 years, following insertion of a foreign body reported in Japan.

Stone-induced urethral fistula treatment with microfragmented adipose tissue containing mesenchymal stem cells: a case report from veterinary medicine with potential application in humans.

We report on a case of a two-year-old male dog, breed chow-chow, who suffered from urethral fistula as a result of ureterolithiasis. The urethral defect was identified intraoperatively with methylene blue. An autologous regenerative approach was combined with surgical closure of the defect, due to the well-known healing issues of the urethral wall in such conditions. A part of abdominal fat tissue was dissected to produce microfragmented adipose tissue containing mesenchymal stem cells, which was combined with platelet-rich plasma. The final product was applied in the area around the urethral defect closure. One month after the procedure, healing was confirmed with positive-contrast cystography. This therapeutic approach yielded success, and the follow-up period of one year was uneventful. The observed positive outcome of this approach in the canine model may be considered as a starting point for investigating the translational potential of the treatment in human medicine.

Long-term ileoanal pouch survival after pouch urinary tract fistulae.

BACKGROUND: Ileoanal pouch is a demanding procedure with many potential technical complications including bladder or ureteral injury, while inflammation or stricture of the anastomosis or anal transition zone may lead to the formation of strictures and fistulae, including to the adjacent urethra. Pouch urinary tract fistulae are rare. We aimed to describe the presentation, diagnostic workup, and management of patients with pouch urinary at our center. METHODS: Our prospectively maintained pouch registry was queried using diagnostic codes and natural language processing free-text searches to identify ileoanal pouch patients diagnosed with any pouch-urinary tract fistula from 1997 to 2022. Descriptive statistics and pouch survival using Kaplan-Meier curves are presented. Numbers represent frequency (proportion) or median (range). RESULTS: Over 25 years, urinary fistulae were observed 27 pouch patients; of these, 16 of the index pouches were performed at our institution [rate 0.3% (16/5236)]. Overall median age was 42 (27-62) years, and 92.3% of the patients were male. Fistula locations included pouch-urethra in 13 patients (48.1%), pouch-bladder in 12 patients (44.4%), and anal-urethra in 2 (7.4%). The median time from pouch to fistula was 7.0 (0.3-38) years. Pouch excision and end ileostomy were performed in 12 patients (bladder fistula, n = 3; urethral fistula, n = 9), while redo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) was performed in 5 patients (bladder fistula, n = 3; urethral fistula, n = 2). The 5-year overall pouch survival after fistula to the bladder was 58.3% vs. 33.3% with urethral fistulae (p = 0.25). CONCLUSION: Pouch-urinary tract fistulae are a rare, morbid, and difficult to treat complication of ileoanal pouch that requires a multidisciplinary, often staged, surgical approach. In the long term, pouches with bladder fistulae were more likely to be salvaged than pouches with urethral fistulae.

Surgical Approach to Urethral Diverticulum and Urethrovaginal Fistula With Mesh Erosion.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This video illustrates a rare surgical case involving a urethral diverticulum, urethrovaginal fistula, and mesh erosion. METHODS: We present a 58-year-old patient attending a tertiary care center with a suspected urethrovaginal fistula. Her concerns included stress urinary incontinence (SUI), recurrent urinary tract infection, and vaginal pain. The surgical history was notable for the placement of two different mesh slings during the same procedure to treat SUI. Preoperative evaluation and findings are illustrated in detail. The video uses a high-definition surgical camera to emphasize the initial intraoperative evaluation with localization of the fistula and diverticulum. We then demonstrate the approach to the dissection with the goal of ensuring complete resection of the diverticulum, fistula, and mesh, while preserving healthy tissue for subsequent closure. The utilization of unique and specialized tools for each portion of the procedure is also illustrated. A layered vaginal closure, including a Martius flap, is created to prevent recurrence. RESULTS: The surgery was accomplished without complications. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, concomitant findings of a urethral diverticulum, urethrovaginal fistula, and mesh erosion are unique in the literature. We postulate that this triad could have resulted from the mesh burden in this particular patient.

Correlation between congenital pelvic floor muscle development assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and postoperative defecation.

OBJECTIVE: Children with congenital anorectal malformation (CAM) experience challenges with defecation. This study aims to assess defecation in preschool-age children with CAM and to evaluate the correlation between pelvic floor muscle developed assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and postoperative defecation. METHODS: We collected clinical data and MRI results from 89 male children with CAM. The bowel function scores for children with Perineal (cutaneous) fistula, Rectourethral fistula(Prostatic or Bulbar), and Rectovesical fistula were computed. MRI scans were subjected to image analysis of the striated muscle complex (SMC). The association between pelvic floor muscle score and bowel function score was examined using the Cochran-Armitage Trend Test. RESULTS: We observed that 77.4% of the SMC scores by MRI for Perineal fistula were good. The Rectourethral fistula SMC score was 40.6% for moderate and 59.4% for poor. The SMC score for Rectovesical fistula was 100% for moderate. Furthermore, 77.4% of patients with Perineal fistula had bowel function scores (BFS) ≥ 17 points. Among those with Rectourethral fistula and Rectovesical fistula, 12.5% and 0 had BFS ≥ 17 points, respectively. An analysis of muscle development and bowel function in patients with Rectovesical fistula, Rectourethral fistula, and Perineal fistula revealed a correlation between SMC development and BFS. Subgroup analysis showed that the Perineal fistula had statistical significance; however, the Rectourethral fistula and Rectovesical fistula were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: A correlation exists between pelvic floor muscle development and postoperative defecation in children with Perineal fistula.

Urethral Outcomes of the Labia Minora Ring Flap for Metoidioplasty and Phalloplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To determine urethral outcomes of single-stage metoidioplasty and radial forearm free flap (RFFF) phalloplasty using the labia minora ring flap for urethral lengthening (UL). METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing single-stage metoidioplasty and RFFF phalloplasty utilizing the labia minora ring flap technique. The ring flap consists of endodermal labia minora tissue ventral to the clitoris and surrounding the vaginal introitus. During metoidioplasty, the ring flap accounts for the entirety of UL. During RFFF phalloplasty, the ring flap becomes the pars fixa (PF) urethra. The primary outcomes measured were rates of fistula, stricture, and surgical revision. RESULTS: Between November 2017 and August 2023, 311 patients underwent metoidioplasty or RFFF phalloplasty (mean follow-up 37 months). Of the 69 metoidioplasties, urethrocutaneous fistulas developed in 11 patients (16%); strictures occurred in 4 (6%). Of the 242 phalloplasty patients, there were 71 fistulas (29%), 56 of which resolved spontaneously. Strictures developed in 44 patients (18%). Twenty-five patients (10%) developed both a stricture and fistula. Surgical repair was required in 8/69 (12%) metoidioplasty patients and in 46/242 (19%) RFFF phalloplasty patients for an overall revision rate of 17%. CONCLUSION: UL during metoidioplasty or RFFF phalloplasty can be accomplished in a single stage using the labia minora ring flap with comparable surgical revision rates to previously described techniques. This approach can also be applied to other phalloplasty techniques. Many fistulas of the PF urethra resolve spontaneously. Higher urethral revision rates were seen in phalloplasty compared to metoidioplasty.

Comparison of postoperative urinary complications in laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty versus posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for anorectal malformation with rectourethral fistula.

BACKGROUND: Long-term urinary outcomes after anorectal malformation (ARM) repair are affected by surgical approach and sacral anomalies. This study aimed to compare laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) and posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) in terms of urinary complications. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2022, 45 patients were treated with LAARP or PSARP. The rectourethral fistula and inflow angle between the fistula and rectum was confirmed by preoperative colonography. The incidence of urinary complications and treatment were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Four patients (14%) had remnant fistula and five patients (17%) had neurogenic bladder dysfunction in LAARP group, while three patients (18%) had urethral injury in PSARP group. All patients with remnant fistula were asymptomatic and followed without treatment. The incidence of remnant fistula improved between earlier decade and later decade. In all cases with urethral injury, suture repair was performed and no postoperative leakage was noted. All five patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction had spine abnormalities that required clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and two were free from CIC finally. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to check inflow angle preoperatively to prevent remnant fistula. For PSARP, meticulous dissection is required when separating fistula from urethra because they create common wall. The most contributing factor to neurogenic bladder is sacral anomalies. Preoperative evaluation and postoperative urinary drainage are important.

Genitourinary Fistula: 5 Years' Experience of Five Referral Centers in Iran.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Genitourinary fistula is a devastating ailment that has an impact on women's physical health, mental health, emotional health, and financial security. The management of genitourinary fistula depends on the type, size, and duration of fistula formation. The purpose of this study is to report the features of genitourinary fistula in Iranian women and our experience in the management of fistula. METHODS: Retrospective chart reviews of 283 patients were performed to determine the cause of the fistula, prior repairs, tissue interposition, and the success rate. The operation was considered successful if the patient did not have any urine leakage during the observation time. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of women was 49.51 (19.39; range: 21-70) years, Of these, 137 (52.9%) had a history of previous genitourinary fistula surgery. The average fistula was 1.53 (0.041) cm in size. The median (interquartile range) operation lasted 70 (15) min. The success rate after fistula repair was 91.5%. The typical follow-up period lasted 13.26 (range: 1-88) months. Forty-three (15.2%) patients had a big fistula (>2.5 cm) and 4 patients (1.4%) had a history of pelvic radiation therapy, among other reasons for failure. After a second repair, all patients' initial failures were resolved. There were no significant complications, as classified by Clavien-Dindo class 2 or greater. Additionally, there were no bowel, ureteral, or nerve injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Our patients with genitourinary fistula had a successful outcome following repair techniques, without any significant morbidity or mortality.

Diagnosis and treatment of primary ileal pouch leaks: a 27-year experience at a referral center.

BACKGROUND: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is considered the preferred restorative surgical procedure for patients with ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis requiring proctocolectomy. Unfortunately, postoperative leaks remain a complication with potentially significant ramifications. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive description of the evaluation, management, and outcomes of leaks after primary IPAA procedures. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2022, a total of 4058 primary IPAA procedures were performed at Cleveland Clinic. From a prospectively maintained pouch registry, we retrospectively reviewed the data of 237 patients who presented to the pouch center for management. Of these, 114 (3%) had undergone the index IPAA procedure at our clinic (de novo cases), whereas 123 patients had their index IPAA performed elsewhere. Data were missing for 43 patients, resulting in a final cohort of 194 patients. RESULTS: Our cohort had an average age of 41 years (range, 16-76) at the time of leak diagnosis. Overall, 55.2% were males, average body mass index was 24.4 kg/m2, and pain was the most prevalent presenting symptom (61.8%), followed by fever (34%). Leaks were confirmed through diagnostic testing in 141 cases, whereas 27.3% were detected intraoperatively. The most common initial diagnoses were pelvic abscess (47.4%) and enteric fistulas (26.8%), including cutaneous (9.8%), vaginal (7.2%), and bladder fistulas (3.1%). By location, leaks occurred at the tip of the "J" (52.6%), at the pouch-anal anastomotic site (35%), and in the body of the pouch (12.4%). A nonoperative management approach was initially attempted in 49.5% of cases, including antibiotic therapy, drainage, endoclip, and endo-sponge, with a success rate of 18.5%. Surgery was eventually required in 81.4% of patients, including (1) sutured or stapled pouch repair (52.5%), with diversion performed in 87.9% of these cases either before or during the salvage surgery; (2) pouch excision with neo-IPAA (22.7%), including 9 patients from the first group; and (3) pouch disconnection, repair, and reanastomosis (9.3%). Pouch failure occurred in 8.4%, with either pouch excision (11.1%) or permanent diversion (4.5%). Ultimately, 12.4% of patients (24 of 194) required permanent diversion, with all necessitating pouch excision. In the 30-day follow-up after salvage surgery, short-term complications arose in 38.7% of patients. The most common complications observed were ileus, pelvic abscess/sepsis, and fever. CONCLUSION: Leaks after primary IPAA procedures represent an infrequent, yet challenging, complication. Despite attempts at nonoperative management, the success rate is limited. Salvage surgery is associated with a high pouch retention rate, underscoring its importance in the management of post-IPAA leaks.

Modified PATIO technique for urethrocutaneous fistula after hypospadias repair: Experience from a tertiary referral hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) is a common complication after hypospadias repair with an incidence of 5-10%. Several techniques are described for its repair: small UCFs are frequently corrected by isolation, excision, and closure with apposition of a protective second layer. In 2008 Malone described the PATIO technique: the fistula tract is turned inside out in the urethral lumen preventing contact with passing urine without direct urethral sutures. OBJECTIVE: Aim of our study is to present our outcomes using a modified version of the PATIO technique, with a more reproducible isolation of the tract and without its fixation at the urethral meatus. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed all cases of UCFs corrected with a modified PATIO technique at our center between 2016 and 2020. Data collected from electronical clinical notes were age at UCF closure, location of UCF, presence of meatal stenosis and clinical outcomes. Data are presented as median and IQR. RESULTS: In the study period we performed 425 urethroplasties for distal and mid penile hypospadias. The incidence of UCFs was 7% (30/425) and 25 patients underwent UCF correction with modified PATIO. Median age at repair was 4.5 years (IQR: 2.5-6.2). At a median follow-up of 3 years (IQR: 2-4) recurrence was observed in 5 cases out of 24 with one patient who was lost at follow-up (20.8%). One case was corrected successfully with re-do modified PATIO technique, while 4 are awaiting repair. One cases was lost at follow-up. UFC-recurrence was homogeneously distributed along the study period. DISCUSSION: Risk factors for UCF recurrence are mostly the type of hypospadias, neo-urethral length, and quality of the urethral plate. Among the many existing techniques, we propose a modified version of Malone's PATIO repair. We believe that the use of four stay-suture to isolate the fistula allows a well-defined dissection of the tract along its surface, compared to the use of a single stay-suture. In our experience, there is no need to keep and fix the traction on the fistula tract to the urethral meatus, probably reflecting the efficacy of the fistula closure during the introflection, which is then maintained without traction. Limitations to our study include the retrospective nature of the review, the small sample size of the cohort and the absence of control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results appear consistent with literature regarding the efficacy of PATIO principles in treating UCF. Modified PATIO seem to be particularly reproducible, showing encouraging results.

Posterior Urethral Reconstruction at the Time of Rectourethral Fistula Repair: Technique and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of posterior urethral stenosis or defect on outcomes following rectourethral fistula (RUF) repair, we present a cohort of 23 men who underwent posterior urethroplasty concurrent with RUF repair. METHODS: We identified 130 men who underwent RUF repair at our institution between 2003 and 2021. Of these, 23 (18%) underwent simultaneous posterior urethroplasty. Fifteen men received prior radiation for prostate cancer. Of the 8 men who were not radiated, 4 had a history of radical prostatectomy, 2 pelvic trauma, and 3 inflammatory bowel disease. All 23 men underwent fecal diversion prior to surgery (median, 6 months preoperatively), and 20 men suprapubic catheter placement (median, 5.5 months preoperatively). RESULTS: RUF repair was performed via perineal approach in 22 cases (96%) and prone Kraske position in 1 (4%). Intraoperatively, 20 men (87%) had urethral stenosis, and 3 (13%) had significant urethral defects due to cavitation and tissue loss. There was stenosis/stricture involving the prostatomembranous urethra in 18 cases (78%) and vesicourethral anastomosis in 5 (22%). Urethroplasty was performed with anastomotic repair in 18 patients (78%) and using a buccal mucosal graft in 5 (22%). Gracilis flap interposition was performed in 21 cases (91%). At a median follow-up of 55.7 months (interquartile range (IQR), 23-82 months), 20 men (87%) had successful RUF closure, with 3 patients experiencing RUF recurrence requiring further surgery. Fourteen men (61%) reported postoperative urinary incontinence, with 7 (30%) ultimately undergoing artificial urinary sphincter placement. There were no isolated stricture recurrences requiring instrumentation. CONCLUSION: Posterior urethral stenosis associated with RUF complicates an already challenging problem. However, most of these patients can be successfully treated concurrent with RUF repair. This series demonstrates that patients with RUF should not be ruled out for restorative reconstructive surgery based on the presence of posterior urethral stenosis or defect.

Comparison of Urinary Diversion in Patients With Prostatic Fistula to Those with Localized Radiation Injury After Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare characteristics and outcomes in patients who had radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer (PCa) and underwent urinary diversion (UD) due to prostatic fistula (Fistula) vs localized radiation injury (Localized). METHODS: This study was a retrospective single-institution study. Exclusion criteria included follow-up <3 months, large pelvic tumor, and surgery for cancer control. The Fistula group included fistulization outside of the urinary tract (rectal, soft tissue, thigh, pubic symphysis, and extensive necrosis surrounding the prostate). The group Localized had a multitude of problems; however, all were confined to the urinary tract. Patient characteristics, perioperative variables, and outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients were included and had UD from 2009-2022. Median age and time from RT to UD were 73 (interquartile range (IQR) 67.9, 78.1) and 7.3 (IQR 3.2, 12.5) years. There were 29 (42%) and 40 (58%) patients in the Fistula and Localized groups. The Fistula group had a higher rate of abdominal/perineal approach (62.1% vs 12.5%, P <.001), a lower rate of right colon pouch (17.2% vs 40%, P = .043), and a longer operative time (515.7 vs 414.2 minutes, P = .017). Clavien-Dindo complications ≥3 were higher in the Fistula group (44.8% vs 20%, P = .027), including a higher rate of re-operation for recurrent pelvic abscess (37.9% vs 5%, P <.001). Survival for the cohort was 85.5% and did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with prostate fistula after RT for PCa undergoing UD had longer, more complex operations, and higher rates of complications, notably post-operative pelvic abscesses, compared to men with localized RT injury. Long-term survival was comparable in both groups.

Mid-Perineal Scrotal Flap for the Repair of Urorectal Fistulas: A New Technique.

Rectourethral fistula (RUF) is an infrequent but severe complication of the treatment of prostate cancer. Herein, we describe a new surgical approach used successfully in 3 patients that incorporates a partially de-epithelialized mid-perineal scrotal flap (MPSF), used as interposition flap, that can be used in almost every patient with RUF after radiotherapy, regardless of having or not a concomitant posterior urethra or bladder neck stricture or contracture that might require a simultaneous urethroplasty. The interposition flap includes well vascularized subcutaneous fat tissue by distal vascular branches of the internal pudendal vessels that reaches without tension the deep perineum up to the posterior bladder neck. The MPSF is a time efficient procedure that allows excellent access to the bulbar urethra and to the surgical plane between rectum and prostate and it does not require a separate incision for the flap harvesting procedure when required.

[Clinical effects of autologous split-thickness skin grafting for prefabricating urethra combined with scrotal flap in repairing middle urethral defect with penile defect].

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of autologous split-thickness skin grafting for prefabricating urethra combined with scrotal flap in repairing middle urethral defect with penile defect. Methods: The retrospective observational study was conducted. Eight male patients (aged 14 to 58 years) with middle urethral defect and penile defect caused by various injuries who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from January 2015 to January 2022. The length of urethral defect was 3 to 5 cm, and the wound area of penile defect after debridement was 5.0 cm×2.5 cm to 7.0 cm×5.5 cm. All the patients underwent autologous split-thickness skin grafting for prefabricating defect urethra in stage Ⅰ, and urethral anastomosis was performed and unilateral scrotal flap was transferred to reconstruct urethra and penis in stage Ⅱ. The area of scrotal flap was 6.0 cm×3.0 cm to 8.0 cm×6.0 cm. The wound in the donor area of skin graft was covered by oil gauze, and the wound of flap donor area was sutured directly. On the 7th day after the operation of stage Ⅱ, the survival of the flap was observed. In 3 weeks after the operation of stage Ⅱ, the urinary flow rate was measured by the urinary flow rate detector (urinary flow rate >15 mL/s was regarded as unobstructed urination), the urinary fistula and erectile function were observed, and the self-made therapeutic satisfaction questionnaire was used to investigate the therapeutic satisfaction degree of patients. During follow-up, the appearance of the flap recipient area was observed, the Vancouver scar scale (VSS) was used to evaluate the scar situation in the donor areas of skin graft and flap, the urinary flow rate was detected as before, the urethral stricture, urinary fistula, and erectile function were observed, and the therapeutic satisfaction degree of patients was investigated. Results: On the 7th day after the operation of stage Ⅱ, the flaps survived completely in 8 patients. In 3 weeks after the operation of stage Ⅱ, the urinary flow rate was 25.3 (18.0, 38.5) mL/s, with unobstructed urination, without urinary fistula and with erectile function, and the score of therapeutic satisfaction degree was 14.3 (14.0, 15.0). During follow-up of 1 to 7 years, the flap recipient area of 8 patients was full in appearance and not swollen, with similar color to the surrounding tissue; the VSS scores of the donor areas of skin graft and flap were 11.5 (10.0, 13.0) and 10.5 (9.3, 12.0), respectively, the urinary flow rate was 24.6 (17.7, 34.1) mL/s, with no urethral stricture, urinary fistula, and erectile dysfunction, and the score of therapeutic satisfaction degree was 13.5 (13.3, 14.8). Conclusions: Autologous split-thickness skin grafting for prefabricating urethra combined with scrotal flap in repairing the urethral and penile defects not only reconstructs the structure of urethra and the shape of penis, but also restores the sensation and erectile function of penis, with few postoperative complications, no obvious scar hyperplasia, and high satisfaction degree of patients, which is worthy of clinical promotion.