Meshgraft Urethroplasty Using Split-Thickness Skin Graft

Abstract

Meshgraft urethroplasty has become one of the standard operative procedures for the treatment of long and complicated urethral strictures. The original method used meshed foreskin for urethral reconstruction. To extend the application of the method to circumcized patients, a split-thickness skin graft was used to construct a neo-urethra. In a first stage, a split thickness skin graft is harvested from the medical part of the thigh and transplanted alongside the opened urethra. After complete healing of this transplant, the neo-urethra is formed in a second stage 12 weeks later. Since 1980 meshgraft urethroplasty using a split-thickness skin graft has been performed in 34 patients. In all patients excellent anatomic and functional results have been achieved. This technique was found to be most useful in exceedingly long or problematic strictures, e.g. in spinal cord-injured patients.