Solitary urethrocutaneous fistula managed by the PATIO repair

ObjectiveA novel technique has been described for repairing penile urethrocutaneous fistula: the PATIO (‘preserve the tract and turn it inside out’) repair. We report our experience with this technique in managing solitary urethrocutaneous fistula following primary hypospadias repair.MethodsChildren with fistulae underwent the PATIO technique of repair. The inclusion criterion was solitary fistula of <4 mm widest diameter.ResultsTen children underwent the procedure. The mean operating time was 22 min. In four of these children a healthy vascularized tunica vaginalis flap was interposed between the urethra and skin. No recurrence of fistula was noted.ConclusionThe PATIO repair is simple and easy to perform, with low morbidity, and is reliable in treating solitary urethrocutaneous fistula <4 mm in size.