Q-island flap urethroplasty: 1-stage procedure for reconstruction of Y-type urethral duplications in children

Abstract

Purpose: We review our experience with Q-flap urethroplasty in children with Y-type urethral duplication.

Materials and methods: Six children with Y-type urethral duplication underwent 1-stage urethral reconstruction using Q-flap urethroplasty between 1988 and 2012. The ventral hypospadiac urethra was always the functional one, and, therefore, was used for urethroplasty.

Results: Mean age at surgery was 5 years (range 1 to 13). All 6 patients had an excellent cosmetic result, with a normal appearing penis, a large apical meatus and no skin chordee. All 6 voided normally. None of the 6 children required reoperation. The only complications were urethral stenosis in 2 patients and lower urinary tract infection in 3. Cosmetic and functional results were analyzed during a mean followup of 8 years (range 1 to 12).

Conclusions: Q-flap urethroplasty provides a long penile skin flap that allows 1-stage reconstruction in children with Y-type urethral duplication, with good cosmetic and functional results.

Keywords: congenital abnormalities; male; surgical flaps; urethra; urogenital abnormalities; urologic surgical procedures.