Glandular resection and central embedding in hypospadias repair—a novel modification of the Barcat technique

PurposeUrethrocutaneous fistula and urethral or meatal stricture, to date, remain the commonest complications of hypospadias repair, with increased tissue tension being a major cause of failure. We developed a novel technique comprising glandular resection and central embedding of the neourethra to specifically address this critical issue. We report the results of the first 112 procedures, of which 7 cases were a secondary hypospadias repair.Materials and MethodsAll patients who underwent hypospadias repair using the glandular resection and central embedding technique over a period of 10 years were included into this retrospective single-surgeon case series. An independent third-party observer carried out follow-up examinations including urometric evaluation.ResultsThe median follow-up was 37 months (range, 7-147 months). In the group of primary hypospadias repair, urethrocutaneous fistulas were observed in 4%, all requiring surgical revision, and meatal or urethral stricture were observed in 4% of the patients, treated either surgically or by dilatation. In 98% of the patients, the neomeatus was located at the tip of the glans. A cosmetically impeccable slitlike appearance of the meatus was achieved in 84%, and a cosmetically acceptable oval shape was achieved in 10% of the patients. Both maximum and average urinary flow rates were within the standard ranges for the respective age groups in 93.7% and 96%, respectively. There was no significant residual urine in 92% of the patients. In the group of secondary hypospadias repairs, both cosmetic and functional results were similar, and no complications were noted.ConclusionsGlandular resection and central embedding is a promising expansion of the repertoire of Barcat modifications. It allows safe embedding of the neourethra and glandular closure without detrimental tension. The cosmetic and functional results are encouraging.