Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Korea. c21ps@hanmail.net
Abstract
PURPOSE Urethral reconstruction following failed hypospadias repair is difficult because of a severe shortage of the skin on ventral surface of the penis. We experienced a successful reconstruction of a failed hypospadias repair using the radial forearm free flap. So we present our case. METHODS: A 16-year-old boy had a proximal shaft hypospadias and had been taken a transverse preputial island flap but it completely broke down. There was no spare skin on the shaft of the penis. So we reconstructed a neo-urethra and the ventral skin of the penis with the radial forearm free flap. RESULTS Postoperatively he made relatively good process. The urethral catheter was maintained for 10 days and self-voiding was started. The suprapubic catheter was removed on the postoperative 30th day after control of cystitis. The postoperative appearance of the penis is acceptable and a straight erection is achieved. CONCLUSION In the scarred penis with hypospadias, the radial forearm free flap transfer is a reliable reconstructive method for the neo-urethra and the ventral skin of the penis.