Histology of the urethral plate: Implications for hypospadias repair

Purpose: We define the histology of the urethral plate in boys with hypospa dias. Materials and Methods: Subepithelial biopsies of the urethral plate were ob tained in 17 boys, including 13 with distal and 4 with penoscrotal hypospad ias. Ventral penile curvature was noted in 5 cases. Specimens were evaluate d by 7 light microscopy after hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: All biopsies demonstrated well vascularized connective tissue comp rised of smooth muscle and collagen. There was no evidence of fibrous bands or dysplastic tissue. Conclusions: The urethral plate consists of epithelium overlying connective tissue. We found no histological evidence of fibrous cords historically co nsidered responsible for chordee.