Use of facia lata graft blanket wrap to prevent fistulas in hypospadias repair

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of fascia lata graft in hypospadias repair, especially in cases with paucity of subcutaneous dartos pedicle or tunica vaginalis flap, with the aim to avoid the potential complication of urethrocutaneous fistula and hence the resulting morbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 10 patients aged 4-8 years, were included in this study. Six patients had posterior hypospadias and had undergone unilateral orchidopexy for associated undescended testis. Four patients had urethral fistula, following primary hypospadias repair. In all the cases, the reconstructed neourethra was reinforced with blanket wrap of fascia lata graft, harvested from lateral aspect of mid thigh. The follow up ranged from 12-18 months. RESULTS: There were no complications experienced in the present series and none of the cases developed urethro cutaneous fistula. The cosmetic results were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: We conclude that fascia lata blanket wrap can be successfully used as an interposition graft in hypospadias repair, with the aim to reduce the incidence of urethrocutaneous fistula.