Penile circular fasciocutaneous flaps for complex anterior urethral strictures

Abstract

Surgical reconstruction of complex anterior urethral strictures, 2.5-6 cm long, frequently requires tissue-transfer techniques [1-8]. The most successful are full-thickness free grafts (genital skin, bladder mucosa, or buccal mucosa) or pedicle-based flaps that carry a skin island. Of the latter, the penile circular fasciocutaneous flap, first described by McAninch in 1993 [9], produces excellent cosmetic and functional results [10]. It is ideal for reconstruction of the distal (pendulous) urethra, where the decreased substance of the corpus spongiosum may jeopardize graft viability.