Two-staged urethroplasty: buccal mucosa and mesh graft techniques.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe indications, the operative technique and results of the two-staged buccal mucosa (BM) and mesh graft urethroplasty for treatment of urethral strictures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 3/1993 and 12/1999, urethral reconstructions were performed in 267 consecutive patients (group I), including 68 mesh graft urethroplasties (25 %) and 30 BM urethroplasties (12 %). Between 1/2000 and 8/2004, additional 249 urethroplasties were performed Of those, 12% were mesh graft and 50% BM urethroplasties (group II). RESULTS: In patient group I, stricture recurrence was found to be the main complication of both procedures (BM 17 %, mesh 16 %). However, erectile dysfunction and curvature only occurred in the mesh graft group with 4% and 9 %, respectively. Patient satisfaction was high in both groups (BM 96.7%, mesh 83.3%). Between 1/2000 and 8/2004 (group II) the number of BM urethroplasties increased to 50%, whereas the number of mesh graft urethroplasty decreased (12%). More than 80% of the patients were satisfied with the results. CONCLUSIONS: Long strictures with severe spongiofibrosis represent an indication for two staged urethro-plasty (BM and mesh graft). Excellent results can be achieved with both techniques with a similar rate of complications. The mesh graft technique remains the last option for a complex patient group.