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Background: To present the complications of free-flap phalloplasty in three-staged female-to-male transgender surgery. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent a three-staged free-flap phalloplasty for female-to-male transgender surgery between January 1988 and December 2013. Data regarding demographics, operative techniques, and complications were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 101 patients with a mean age of 30.2 years were included. Phalloplasty with traditional free forearm tube-intube fasciocutaneous flap was performed in 25 (24.8%) patients, free forearm fasciocutaneous flap with vaginal mucosa for a prefabricated urethra in 30 (29.7%) patients, free radial forearm osteocutaneous flap with vaginal mucosa for a prefabricated urethra in 22 (21.8%) patients, and free fibula osteocutaneous flap with vaginal mucosa for a prefabricated urethra in 24 (23.8%) patients. Complication rates of partial flap loss, urethrocutaneous fistula, urethral stricture, and hair or stone formation were 12.9%, 49.5%, 24.8%, and 5.0%, respectively. Patients receiving fibula osteocutaneous flap phalloplasty had the lowest overall complication rate (33.3%), followed by those with radial forearm osteocutaneous flap (40.9%), forearm fasciocutaneous flap (43.3%), and forearm tube-in-tube fasciocutaneous flap (80.0%). Forearm tube-in-tube fasciocutaneous flap procedure was associated with significantly higher rates of overall complications (p = 0.05), urethrocutaneous fistula (p = 0.005), and hair or stone formation (p = 0.002) compared with the other three types of procedures. Rates of all complications did not significantly differ among fibula osteocutaneous flap, radial forearm osteocutaneous flap, and forearm fasciocutaneous flap procedures. Conclusion: In free-flap phalloplasty for female-to-male transgender surgery, utilization of free fibula osteocutaneous flap with vaginal mucosa for a prefabricated urethra resulted in the lowest complication rate. Further comparisons among different procedures of phalloplasty are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Arterio-ureteral fistula (AUF) is an uncommon diagnosis, but increasingly reported and potentially lethal. This systematic review comprehensively presents risk factors, pathophysiology, location and clinical presentation of AUF aiming to increase clinical awareness of this rare but life-threatening condition, and to put this entity into a contemporary perspective with modern diagnostic tools and treatment strategies. Materials and Methods: This review was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data) guidelines. A literature search in PubMed( and EMBASE was conducted. In addition, retrieved articles were cross-referenced. Data parameters included oncologic, vascular and urological history, diagnostics, treatment, and followup, and were collected using a standard template by 2 independent reviewers. Results: A total of 245 articles with 445 patients and 470 AUFs were included. Most patients had chronic indwelling ureteral stents (80%) and history of pelvic oncology (70%). Hematuria was observed in 99% of the patients, of whom 76% presented with massive hematuria with or without previous episodes of (micro)hematuria. For diagnosis, angiography had a sensitivity of 62%. The most predominant location of AUF was at the common iliac artery ureteral crossing. AUF-specific mortality before 2000 vs after 2000 is 19% vs 7%, coinciding with increasing use of endovascular stents. Conclusions: AUF should be considered in patients with a medical history of vascular surgery, pelvic oncologic surgery, irradiation and/or chronic indwelling ureteral stents presenting with intermittent (micro)hematuria. A multidisciplinary consultation is necessary for diagnosis and treatment. The most sensitive test is angiography and the preferred initial treatment is endovascular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose We assessed the effect of performing colpectomy before (primary) or after (secondary) gender affirming surgery with single stage urethral lengthening on the incidence of urethral fistula in transgender men. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all transgender men who underwent gender affirming surgery with urethral lengthening between January 1989 and November 2016 at VU University Medical Center. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, fistulas and fistula management, and primary and secondary colpectomy were recorded. Descriptive statistics were calculated and incidence rates were compared. Results A total of 294 transgender men underwent gender affirming surgery with urethral lengthening. A urethral fistula developed in 111 of the 232 patients (48%) without colpectomy and in 13 of the 62 (21%) who underwent primary colpectomy (p <0.01). Secondary colpectomy resulted in 100% fistula closure when performed in 17 patients with recurrent urethral fistula at the proximal urethral anastomosis and the fixed part of the neourethra. Conclusions Primary colpectomy decreases the incidence rate of urethral fistulas. Secondary colpectomy is also an effective treatment of fistulas at the proximal urethral anastomosis and the fixed part of the neourethra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose We report our experience with the diagnosis and treatment of women with urinary fistula after mid urethral sling surgery. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with urinary fistula secondary to mid urethral sling surgery. Electronic medical records and billing records were searched. We analyzed sling type, presenting symptoms and interval from initial sling surgery to 1) symptom appearance, 2) fistula diagnosis and 3) fistula repair. Symptomatic outcomes were assessed by PGI-I. Surgical outcomes were based on history and examination. Results We identified 10 women with a mean age of 58 years (range 37 to 70). Mean interval from mid urethral sling surgery to symptom onset, diagnosis and fistula repair was 2, 16 and 18 months, respectively. Mean followup was 26 months (range 4 to 96). There were 1 ureterovaginal, 1 enterovesical, 6 vesicovaginal and 7 urethrovaginal fistulas. Patients presented with stress urinary incontinence (70%), unaware incontinence (50%), overactive bladder (40%), pelvic pain (30%) and voiding symptoms (20%). Nine women underwent fistula repair and 1 underwent continent urinary diversion. A Martius flap was used in 6 of 9 patients, an omental flap and a bladder wall flap were used in 2 each, urethral reconstruction and ureterocolovesicostomy were performed in 1 each and 7 received an autologous pubovaginal sling. Seven patients (78%) underwent successful fistula repair. A successful symptomatic outcome was achieved in 5 of 7 women with stress urinary incontinence, 3 of 5 with unaware incontinence, 3 of 4 with overactive bladder, 2 of 3 with pelvic pain and 2 of 2 with voiding symptoms. Conclusions With careful attention to surgical principles and technique, including removal of as much of the adjacent mesh as possible, a successful outcome can be achieved in most patients with a fistula secondary to mid urethral sling surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The literature on secondary surgery after hypospadias repair is limited. We determined risk factors for secondary surgery via a population based approach. Materials and Methods: We used a hospital consortium database to identify a population that underwent hypospadias repair in 2009 and 2010. Specifically meatal advancement and glanuloplasty, distal, proximal and perineal hypospadias repairs were evaluated. Secondary surgeries performed between 2009 and 2011 were captured and the variables of age at primary surgery, insurance, region and surgeon volume were measured. Mixed effects logistic regression analysis was used to analyze independent variables associated with secondary surgery. Results: We identified 5,326 subjects who underwent primary hypospadias repair by 114 surgeons at 47 hospitals in 2009 and 2010. Distal hypospadias repair is associated with a 9% secondary surgery rate. After adjusting for other factors every additional 10 distal repairs that a surgeon performed yearly was associated with a 29% decreased risk of requiring fistula, stricture or diverticulum repair. There were regional differences for secondary surgery following meatal advancement and glanuloplasty and distal repairs. Finally, each additional year of patient age at distal repair was associated with a 15% increased risk of requiring secondary cystoscopy and a 21% increased risk of requiring urethral dilation/incision. Conclusions: This population based study produced significantly different results than small studies of select patients and techniques. Distal hypospadias repair is associated with a 9% secondary surgery rate. Low surgeon volume independently increases the risk of fistula, stricture or diverticulum repair. Increased patient age at primary distal hypospadias repair increases the risk of cystoscopy and urethral dilation/incision. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: The rectal sphincter preserving transperineal approach has been increasingly used successfully. We analyzed our experience with this surgical approach. A secondary aim was to evaluate the surgical outcome of energy ablative rectourethral fistulas without a concomitant interposition muscle flap. Materials and Methods: We identified all patients with rectourethral fistula who underwent rectal sphincter preserving transperineal repair from 1998 to 2011. Re-approximation of the urethral mucosa, posterior anastomotic urethroplasty or partial/total prostatectomy with urethrovesical anastomosis was performed for urinary closure. The fistula cohort was divided into 2 groups, including postoperative and energy ablative fistulas, respectively. Success after perineal rectourethral fistula repair was defined as resolution after the first attempt at repair. Results: A total of 23 patients underwent rectal sphincter preserving, transperineal rectourethral fistula repair. In the postoperative fistula cohort the fistula was successfully resolved in all 10 patients. A dartos interposition muscle flap was used in 2 of 10 patients. In the energy ablative cohort the fistula was successfully closed in 8 of 13 patients. An interposition muscle flap was not placed in 8 patients with an energy ablative fistula, of whom success was achieved in 5. Two of the 5 patients with an energy ablative fistula and a successful outcome without a concomitant interposition muscle flap had urinary extravasation, necessitating temporary catheterization. Conclusions: Rectal sphincter preserving transperineal repair is a successful surgical method to repair postoperative and energy ablative rectourethral fistulas. An interposition muscle flap should be considered in the setting of energy ablative rectourethral fistulas to increase successful outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Vesicovaginal fistula is a socially debilitating problem with important psychological and medicolegal implications. Complicated fistulas include large fistulas or those with failed prior repair attempts. The key to successful closure of such fistulas is the use of adjuncts such as a Martius, peritoneal or omental flap. Small intestinal submucosa is an acellular collagen matrix graft that is nonimmunogenic, biodegradable and ready to use off the shelf. We evaluated small intestinal submucosa as an interposition patch during complicated vesicovaginal fistula repair. Materials and Methods: A total of 23 women with a mean age of 33.5 years who had a complicated vesicovaginal fistula were enrolled in this clinical trial. Complicating factors were failed primary repair in 9 cases, excessive perifistulous scarring in 4 patients and a fistula 1.5 cm or greater in the remainder. Transvaginal repair was done in 7 low fistula cases and transabdominal repair was done in the remainder with a high fistula. A small intestinal submucosa patch was interposed in all cases at classic abdominal or vaginal repair. All patients were evaluated 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Results: All patients who underwent vaginal repair were dry during followup. Of the 16 women who underwent transabdominal repair 14 were dry. The overall success rate was 91.3%. No reported allergic or inflammatory reactions were documented. Conclusions: Using small intestinal submucosa as an interposition layer at anatomical vaginal and/or transabdominal repair of complicated vesicovaginal fistulas seems to be a simple, feasible solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Epididymo-orchitis is a devastating complication of imperforate anus. Without proper treatment the condition may result in infertility. Nevertheless, the exact etiology and optimal management of epididymo-orchitis in anorectal malformation are unknown. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of our hospital records between 1997 and 2010 identified 6 cases of epididymo-orchitis in 82 boys with anorectal malformation. Extensive search of the literature revealed 35 additional cases. Clinical details of these 41 patients were analyzed using chi-square testing. Results: Epididymo-orchitis occurred predominantly (86%) in high or intermediate anorectal malformation with rectourinary fistula. Median age at onset of epididymo-orchitis was 6 months and there was no side predilection. Urinary tract infection was noted in 54% of patients. Persistent mesonephric duct syndrome (27%), urethroejaculatory duct reflux (22%), vasovesical ectopia (10%), neurovesical dysfunction (34%) and urethral stricture/stenosis (17%) were frequently associated risk factors for epididymo-orchitis. In 73% of patients epididymo-orchitis recurred with exclusive antibiotic treatment. Diverting colostomy was ineffective in preventing epididymo-orchitis. Division of rectourinary fistula was curative in 36% of patients, while in 34% epididymo-orchitis recurred even after division of rectourinary fistula. Division of rectourinary fistula is likely to resolve epididymo-orchitis in the absence of additional risk factors. Vasectomy was required in 22% of patients to prevent recurrence. Conclusions: In addition to rectourinary fistula, urinary reflux into the vas deferens and neurovesical dysfunction are major risk factors for epididymo-orchitis in anorectal malformation. Division of rectourinary fistula is curative in only a third of cases. In the remaining cases some form of surgical disruption of the vas deferens is needed to resolve recurrent epididymo-orchitis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation is to perform hypospadias repair at age 6 to 12 months. However, our patient population included a significant proportion of patients in adolescence and beyond undergoing primary repair. We report a comparison of outcomes in patients in different age groups. Materials and Methods: We prospectively report on patients with distal hypospadias who underwent primary repair at our institution during 7 months. Study parameters included age, degree of hypospadias, surgical technique and the complications rate. Results: A total of 61 patients were included in analysis. All cases underwent repair using the tubularized incised plate technique. More proximal hypospadias and different repair techniques were excluded from study. Patients were classified by age, including group 1–25 (40%) 6 months to 2 years old, group 2–17 (28%) 2.2 to 3.7 years old and group 3–19 (32%) 4 years old or older. Only 6 patients (9.8%) had postoperative complications and all were in groups 2 and 3. In group 2 there were 3 complications (17.6%), including loss of repair, meatal stenosis and hematoma in 1 case each. In group 3 there were 3 cases (15.8%) of postoperative fistula. The fistula incidence was higher in group 3 (p = 0.032). Conclusions: Despite previous reports suggesting a much higher incidence of complications in older children the complication rate is within the acceptable range for infant hypospadias repair in some series. However, these complications were statistically significantly different between the older groups when compared with the recommended age group under American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Urethral stricture is the second most common complication of hypospadias repair after urethrocutaneous fistula. Usually more than 1 procedure is needed for correction due to a lack of available tissue after previous repairs. We evaluated 1-stage urethral stricture management after hypospadias repair using a ventral buccal mucosal graft. We describe the importance of graft hanging and coverage. Materials and Methods: From August 2004 to April 2009, 15 patients 9 to 17 years old underwent urethral stricture repair after failed hypospadias surgery. Mean time after primary surgery was 7.2 years (range 4 to 13). Vascularized periurethral tissue around the stenotic part of the neourethra was dissected. The urethra was opened ventrally and a buccal mucosal graft of appropriate size was inserted to allow urethral augmentation. Using several U stitches the graft was anchored to the surrounding periurethral tissue to prevent its folding and retraction. Recurrent chordee in 12 patients and secondary vesicoureteral reflux in 3 were also corrected at this time. Results: Mean followup was 37 months (range 17 to 73). Successful results were confirmed in all patients by urethrography and uroflowmetry. One urethral fistula was corrected 3 months later by minor surgery. Recurvature did not develop in this group. There was no recurrent reflux in endoscopically treated patients. Conclusions: Ventral buccal mucosal grafting is a simple, safe option for urethral stricture repair. Hanging the graft to periurethral tissue is important for its survival and to prevent postoperative folding and retraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We hypothesized that a stratified analysis, where measures of association between dartos flap coverage and fistula formation were adjusted by segregation into 2 strata according to stent insertion, would help better define the dartos flap-urethrocutaneous fistula association. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 153 consecutive boys with distal hypospadias who underwent tubularized incised plate repair by a single pediatric urologist between 2000 and 2005. Fistula rate was analyzed separately according to patient age, stenting and dartos flap coverage using univariate and multivariable analyses, and checking for effect modification/interaction. Results: Mean ± SD age at surgery was 16.5 ± 12.8 months and followup was 17.0 ± 11.6 months. Nonstented tubularized incised plate repair was performed in 88 patients (58%) and dartos flap coverage in 118 (77%). Urethrocutaneous fistula developed in 19 patients (12%). Nonstented repair (p = 0.003) and absence of dartos flap coverage (p <0.001) were significantly associated with higher fistula rates. In children without stent a significant increase in fistula rate was observed when dartos flap coverage was not used (9% vs 37%, p = 0.002; OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.05–0.51). In boys who underwent stent placement the fistula rate also increased in the absence of dartos flaps, from 2% to 25% (p = 0.12; OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.002–1.0). Conclusions: Dartos flap coverage emerges as an important, clinically identifiable and modifiable risk factor associated with fistula reduction following tubularized incised plate repair for distal hypospadias after adjusting for placement of a urethral stent. Furthermore, stenting is an effect modifier in the association between dartos flap coverage and urethrocutaneous fistula. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Vesicoureteral fistula is a well-known potential complication following bladder neck closure for neurogenic incontinence. Various maneuvers, including omental interposition, have been described to prevent this problem. Unfortunately omentum is not always available or feasible for use. We describe the surgical anatomy and use of a rectus abdominis muscle flap as an adjunctive maneuver during bladder neck closure to correct or prevent development of bladder neck fistula. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients at our institution undergoing rectus abdominis muscle flap by a single surgeon (EAS). Patient demographics, indications for surgery, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and long-term efficacy were assessed. Cadaveric dissection was also performed to gain a greater understanding of the surgical anatomy relevant to this procedure. Results: In 6 patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction a rectus abdominis muscle flap was interposed between the bladder neck and urethral stump at bladder neck closure. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications associated with this procedure. At a mean followup of 45.5 months (range 18 to 120) all 6 patients were continent of urine. There have been no urinary fistulas related to use of the rectus abdominis muscle flap. Cadaveric dissections confirmed the inferior epigastric artery to be the dominant and readily mobile blood supply of the rectus abdominis muscle flap. Conclusions: The rectus abdominis muscle flap is easily harvested without significant risk of morbidity and offers a well vascularized tissue for coverage of a bladder neck closure when an omental flap is not available. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: We analyzed a new urethra preserving approach, double-cross flap protection, during tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. We compared the results of 57 patients treated with this new procedure and 80 patients treated with 2 different techniques. Materials and Methods: We studied 137 patients with hypospadias between October 2002 and March 2008. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 consisted of 40 patients (mean age 50 months) undergoing tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. Group 2 included 40 patients (mean age 48 months) undergoing tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with dorsal subcutaneous flap. Group 3 consisted of 57 patients (mean age 39 months) undergoing tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with 2 de-epithelialized preputial flaps twisted ventrally and sutured individually over the neourethra. All patients were operated on by the same surgeons. Statistical analysis of postoperative complications was performed by ANOVA and chi-square test. Results: In Group 1 fistula developed in 6 patients (15%) and was associated with stenosis of the neourethra in 4 (10%). In Group 2 fistula developed in 4 patients (10%). In Group 3 no fistula was observed, but mild stenosis of the neomeatus developed in 3 patients (5.3%), which was treated with dilation. Thus, the incidence of fistula in group 3 was significantly less (p = 0.015). Conclusions: Double-cross flap protection is safe and significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative fistula. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: We evaluated the long-term success rate of an abdominovaginal approach using a rotational bladder flap to repair giant vesicovaginal fistula. Materials and Methods: A total of 35 patients were included in this study. Of these patients 28 had a large vesicovaginal fistula and 7 had complete loss of the urethral floor. Fistula etiology was secondary to obstructed labor in 25 patients, the result of iatrogenic surgical injuries in 5, sling erosion in 3 and pelvic irradiation in 2. Using combined abdominal and vaginal approaches the bladder was bisected sagittally, and a bladder flap was rotated downward and medially to fill the extensive fistula defect. An additional vascularized flap was interposed in 23 patients including gracilis muscle flap in 13, omental flap in 5, peritoneal flap in 2 and Martius flap in 3. Results: Fistulas were successfully repaired in 31 of 35 patients (88%). The remaining 4 patients underwent surgical correction with a second, more limited repair. This group included 2 patients with fistula from obstructed labor, 1 due to sling erosion and 1 due to irradiation. Conclusions: A combined abdominovaginal approach with the use of a generous rotational bladder flap for repair of a complex vesicovaginal fistula allowed for excellent results. There was a high success rate on the first attempt due to the excellent exposure and healthy, well vascularized tissue used for repair. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Rectourinary fistula is a devastating complication of rectal and genitourinary surgery. Spontaneous closure is rarely successful and failure in conservative management calls for surgical intervention. We present our experience with rectourinary fistula repair using a modified York-Mason technique. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all 12 patients who underwent modified York-Mason repair at our institution between 1998 and 2008. Rectourinary fistula developed in 10 patients after radical prostatectomy and in 2 following high intensity focused ultrasound. Six patients were initially treated with fecal diversion. Our approach begins with a transanal incision at the 2 o''clock position representing a modification of the classically described midline incision extending from the coccyx to the anal verge. Key aspects of the York-Mason procedure are maintained. However, we do not close the urethra after fistula excision, and instead perform a multilayer, nonoverlapping closure of the anterior rectal wall only. Results: With a median followup of 22 months we observed the complete resolution of rectourinary fistula in all 12 patients. Three patients required multiple York-Mason procedures to achieve resolution of symptoms. All patients reported intact fecal continence. Median operative time and estimated blood loss were 63 minutes and 100 ml, respectively. Median hospital stay was 4 days. Conclusions: Our modified York-Mason technique is safe and effective for the repair of small, iatrogenic rectourinary fistula. We report 75%, 92% and 100% rectourinary fistula resolution after 1, 2 and 3 York-Mason procedures, respectively, with 100% fecal continence. This technique can be performed multiple times without a significant increase in operative time, estimated blood loss or fecal incontinence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Despite being the dominant technique for repair of distal hypospadias, application of the tubularized incised plate approach for penoscrotal hypospadias remains controversial. We report our experience with severe hypospadias, comparing tubularized incised plate to transverse island flap onlay urethroplasty. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with penoscrotal hypospadias presenting between 1998 and 2006. Based on surgeon preference 35 children underwent tubularized incised plate and 40 underwent onlay urethroplasty. Penoscrotal transposition and degree of ventral curvature, type of ventral curvature repair, complication rate, postoperative uroflowmetry pattern in toilet trained patients and number of reoperations were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Mean patient age at surgery was 17 months (range 9 to 91) for tubularized incised plate urethroplasty and 17.8 months (10 to 58) for the onlay procedure. Urethroplasty was performed over an 8Fr catheter in all patients. With mean followups of 30 months (range 6 to 74) and 38.8 months (16 to 80) the overall complication rates were 60% and 45% for the tubularized incised plate and onlay procedures, respectively. Fistula occurred in 15 patients and repair breakdown in 3 patients (total 51.4%) treated with tubularized incised plate repair, compared to 8 and 2 patients, respectively (25%), treated with onlay repair (p = 0.01). Fistula location also differed significantly between the 2 groups, with proximal fistulas occurring in 11 of 15 tubularized incised plate repairs (73.3%) vs 2 of 8 onlay repairs (25%, p = 0.02). Recurrent ventral curvature was more frequent after onlay urethroplasty (5.7% vs 12.5%, not significant). At a mean age of 5.1 years a plateau uroflow curve (vs normal bell curve) was observed in 16 of 24 children (66.7%) who underwent tubularized incised plate repair and in 7 of 21 (33.3%) who underwent onlay repair (p <0.01). Conclusions: In this series the overall complication rate was similar for tubularized incised plate and onlay urethroplasty. Despite similar urethroplasty calibers, the uroflow curves and fistula positions in patients undergoing tubularized incised plate repair suggest that the neourethra distal to the fistula may be relatively narrow, creating flow resistance and leading to proximal fistula. Longer followup and close monitoring are needed before embracing one approach over the other. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: In the last several years the use of the tubularized incised plate hypospadias repair has greatly increased. The most significant complication after this mode of urethroplasty is urethrocutaneous fistula development. Tunneled tunica vaginalis flap is a well described technique for repair of urethrocutaneous fistula. However, to our knowledge its use after tubularized incised plate repair has not yet been described. We present our results with this technique. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing repair of urethrocutaneous fistula after initial tubularized incised plate repair between January 2001 and December 2005. We analyzed the initial number and location of fistulas, number of previous urethrocutaneous fistula repairs, duration of surgery, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Results: A total of 16 boys (median age 2.2 years) underwent tunica vaginalis flap repair at our institution for urethrocutaneous fistula following initial failed tubularized incised plate repair. Of these patients 4 had not previously undergone urethrocutaneous fistula repair and 12 had undergone 1 to 4 failed repair attempts. All boys had a subcoronal fistula and 8 had additional fistulas along the penile shaft, 4 each with 3 and 4 fistulas, including 1 penoscrotal fistula. Mean surgical time was 45 minutes, and no intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. After a mean followup of 18 months (range 4 to 36) no patient had recurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula. Conclusions: Tunneled tunica vaginalis flap repair is a highly successful technique for the treatment of urethrocutaneous fistula after initial failed tubularized incised plate repair. The technique is technically simple to perform, and we encountered no complications. Tunneled tunica vaginalis flap repair should be considered for treating urethrocutaneous fistula following initial failed tubularized incised plate hypospadias surgery, particularly in a repeat surgical setting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Surgical management for rectourinary fistulas remains a reconstructive challenge. There are few guidelines to direct the surgeon to the most successful and least morbid technique. We developed a rectourinary fistula staging system that allows selection of the most appropriate technique for the patient. We present the details of the staging system and surgical outcomes. Materials and Methods: From July 1999 to July 2005 we treated 14 male patients with rectourinary fistula. Mean patient age was 68 years (range 62 to 73). Etiology was rectal injury during open radical prostatectomy in 5 patients, laparoscopic prostatectomy in 1, radiation induced fistula for prostate cancer treatment (brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy) in 2, neoadjuvant external beam radiation therapy in 2, ischial decubitus ulcer in 3 with spinal cord injury, and cryotherapy and external beam radiation therapy in 1. Cases were staged as stage I—low (less than 4 cm from anal verge and nonirradiated), stage II—high (more than 4 cm from anal verge and nonirradiated), stage III—small (less than 2 cm irradiated fistula), stage IV—large (more than 2 cm irradiated fistula) and stage V—large (ischial decubitus fistula). Diverting colostomy was performed for stages III to V 6 weeks before definitive therapy. Results: Patients were discharged home after 48 hours. A 22Fr urethral catheter maintained bladder drainage for 3 weeks until cystogram confirmed rectourinary fistula closure. Complications were superficial wound infection and postoperative reexploration of the gracilis flap due to bleeding in 1 case each. All patients were cured after a single operation. Conclusions: The surgical challenges of a variety of rectourinary fistula repairs can be managed with minimal morbidity and a high success rate using proper staging to guide urinary tract reconstruction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]