OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the success rates of simple and layered repairs of urethrocutaneous fistulae after hypospadias repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The charts of 72 children who developed fistulae after hypospadias repair were reviewed; 39 had a simple closure of the fistula, whereas 32 had a 'pants over vest' repair, in all cases after excluding an impairment of urine outflow. RESULTS: The success rate at the first attempt was 74% for simple closure and 94% for the layered repair; at the second attempt it was 80% and 100%, the difference being statistically significant for both repairs. CONCLUSIONS: Although probably far from an optimal technique for repairing urethrocutaneous fistulae, the pants-over-vest repair allows a good success rate for penile shaft fistulae.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the success rates of simple and layered repairs of urethrocutaneous fistulae after hypospadias repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The charts of 72 children who developed fistulae after hypospadias repair were reviewed; 39 had a simple closure of the fistula, whereas 32 had a 'pants over vest' repair, in all cases after excluding an impairment of urine outflow. RESULTS: The success rate at the first attempt was 74% for simple closure and 94% for the layered repair; at the second attempt it was 80% and 100%, the difference being statistically significant for both repairs. CONCLUSIONS: Although probably far from an optimal technique for repairing urethrocutaneous fistulae, the pants-over-vest repair allows a good success rate for penile shaft fistulae.