Results of closure of urethrocutaneous fistulas in children.

We reviewed 34 patients undergoing repair of urethrocutaneous fistulas. In 85 per cent of the cases fistulas occurred after hypospadias repair. Midshaft fistulas were closed successfully using a multilayered de-epithelialized "pants over vest" technique. Of 19 cases with midshaft fistulas closed by this method there were no recurrences and 13 (68 per cent) were performed as nondiverted outpatient procedures. Eleven coronal fistulas were repaired by a skin advancement technique that was successful in 10. Of these 11 procedures 10 were done on an outpatient basis without diversion. Most urethrocutaneous fistulas can be closed successfully without urinary diversion on an outpatient basis.