To explore the use of neo-vaginal advancement flaps in the treatment of distal urethral strictures with description of the techniques and preliminary results in transwomen.
Five patients were treated. A 7-flap was used in 2 patients and an inverted U-flap in 3 patients. In one patient with an inverted U-flap, the urethra was further enlarged using buccal mucosa because of Lichen Sclerosus. Three out of 5 patients already underwent previous interventions.
Median patient age was 67 years (range: 41-74) and median stricture length was 2.0 cm (range: 1.5-2.0). Median operation time was 41 minutes (range: 38-70). One low-grade complication (bladder spasms) was reported. No patient suffered a recurrence after a median follow-up of 37 months (range: 6-97). All patients were satisfied with the result.
Neo-vaginal advancement flaps can be safely used in transwomen with distal urethral strictures. The success rate and patient's satisfaction are encouraging.
Urology. 2019 Feb 16 [Epub ahead of print]
M Waterloos, S Hollebosch, W Verla, A F Spinoit, P Hoebeke, S Monstrey, N Lumen
Dept. Of Urology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium. Electronic address: ., Dept. Of Urology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium., Dept. Of Plastic Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.