The use of flaps in urethral reconstructive surgery

Abstract

Although excision of a strictured anterior urethral segment with primary spatulated reanastomosis is the best and most durable repair, its application can be limited by the location and length of the stricture. In cases where application of this technique is limited, however (e.g., severely stenotic areas, totally obliterated areas, proximal areas that have been hydrodilated, or areas that require chronic dilation), the surgeon must resort to tissue transfer techniques. This chapter discusses the principles associated with the use of genital skin islands for difficult cases of urethral reconstruction.