DERMOEPIDERMAL OR PREPUTIAL MESHGRAFT URE THROPLASTY

Long urethral structures raise serious problems in terms of appropriat e treatment. Reconstruction techniques using scrotal skin have a high recurrence rate. In order to avoid complications, a dermoepidermal or preputial Meshgraft was used to reconstruct a new urethra in two stage s. In the first stage, the graft was raised and transplanted onto the open urethra. 8 to 12 weeks later, in the second stage, the new urethr a is closed. Since 1977, Meshgraft urethroplasty has been performed in 128 patients, using the skin of the foreskin (n = 75) or medial surfa ce of the thigh (n = 53). A good anatomical and functional result was obtained in all but three cases, regardless of the graft donor site. T his operative technique constitutes a very effective method for the la sting treatment of long or complicated urethral strictures, for exampl e in patients with spinal cord injuries.