New insight into surgical anatomy of epispadiac penis and its impact on repair

Abstract

Purpose: Surgical anatomy of the epispadiac penis is still not fully described. Using our complete disassembly technique, we discovered some anatomical features of epispadiac penis that may have significant impact on surgical outcome. Materials and Methods: A total of 52 patients 2 days to 19 years old (mean age 43 months) underwent primary repair of epispadias between October 1996 and December 2006. After complete penile disassembly, ie full mobilization of the corporeal bodies, neurovascular bundles and urethral plate, reassembly of the penile entities was done. The urethral plate is tubularized and ventralized. The corporeal bodies are straightened and lengthened by 2 transverse incisions and grafting, joined medially and fixed to the glans cap. The glans is reconstructed, and the neurovascular bundles are moved dorsally and joined. The skin is reconstructed using different local flaps. Results: Investigating the anatomical features of the epispadiac penis, we discovered several distinguishing features. The corporeal bodies are separated and triangular in shape. They represent the main substrate of dorsal curvature due to the significant disproportion in length between the long ventral and short wedge-shaped dorsal sides. The length of the neurovascular bundles is determined by their course-they are longer if they overlie the ventral side of the corpora and shorter if positioned over the dorsal side. The skin between the scrotum and penis has characteristics similar to penile skin. A good functional and esthetic outcome was achieved in 46 patients. Erection and glanular sensitivity were preserved in all patients. There was no necrosis of the glans or corporeal bodies. Complications included urethral fistula in 4 patients, stenosis in 2 and mild residual curvature in 2. Conclusions: New insights into the anatomical features of the epispadiac penis can have a significant impact on surgical outcomes. Copyright © 2008 by American Urological Association.