Mesh Graft Urethroplasty Using Split Thickness Skin Graft or Foreskin

Abstract

Long urethral strictures remain one of the hazards of modern urology. Reconstructive operations with scrotal skin suffer a high rate of recurrent stricture. To avoid complications, meshed split thickness skin graft or foreskin was used to construct a neourethra. In stage 1 split thickness skin graft is harvested and transplanted along the opened urethra. In stage 2 the neourethra is formed 8 to 12 weeks later. Since 1977 mesh graft urethroplasty has been performed in 96 patients using meshed foreskin (76) or split thickness skin grafts (23). In all but 1 patient excellent anatomical and functional results were achieved regardless of which type of graft was used. This technique was most useful in exceedingly long or problematic strictures, for example in spinal cord injury patients.