Scrotal dartos flap for the prevention of the urethrocutaneous fistula on hypospadias urethroplasty.

Background: Urethrocutaneous fistula is a common complication of urethroplasty for severe hypospadias, even when a microsurgical technique is applied.

Methods: From June 2001 to July 2003, we applied the scrotal dartos flap wrapping technique to prevent the occurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula in 14 patients with hypospadias.

Results: Hypospadias was repaired without fistula formation in all but one patient, who developed a tiny fistula which was later closed successfully by a simple procedure.

Conclusions: We recommend the scrotal dartos wrapping technique for covering the neourethra with a well-vascularized flap because of fewer complications, although the procedure to obtain the vascularized flap may take longer.