Tunica vaginalis free grafts for closure of urethrocutaneous fistulas.

In 32 patients a tunica vaginalis free graft was used for closure of urethrocutaneous fistulas (n = 26) or complicated hypospadias repair (n = 6). All patients had at least one operation (average 3.9) for urethral reconstruction prior to this procedure. 12 patients had recurrent fistulas (average 2.2). The technique proved to be very successful. Only 2 patients had to undergo subsequent reoperation for recurrent fistulas. The use of a free tunica vaginalis graft interposed between skin and urethra is our method of choice in the repair of recurrent or complicated urethrocutaneous fistulas.