The use of octyl cyanoacrylate (superglue) in hypospadias repair including its use as a fixator for urethral stents

BackgroundOctyl cyanoacrylate has been used for many years for simple skin closure, but its use in hypospadias repair and as a urethral stent fixator has not been previously reported. We report our experience.MethodA retrospective study was performed of all children undergoing hypospadias surgery from July 2007 to July 2011. Octyl cyanoacrylate was used for skin closure after placing a few sutures to align the skin edges. No other dressing was used. A urethral stent, if used, was glued to the penis and removed after one week.ResultsSeventy two procedures were performed on 37 patients. Eight distal hypospadias (22%) underwent single stage repair. Seventeen (46%) underwent staged repair for severe hypospadias, and twelve (32%) “hypospadiac cripples” underwent various salvage procedures.One patient (1/72) had partial dehiscence, and one stent dislodged. There were no wound infections. Four (4/25) tabularized urethroplasties developed a fistula (16%).ConclusionOctyl cyanoacrylate is easy to apply on difficult hypospadias contours. It forms a strong, waterproof adhesive bond which separates from epithelial surfaces in 7 to 10 days and makes it an effective urethral stent fixator and an ideal dressing for hypospadias surgery.