Comparison of the perimeatal-based flap (Mathieu) and the tubularized incised-plate urethroplasty (Snodgrass) in primary distal hypospadias.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the perimeatal-based flap technique or the tubularized incised-plate repair is the more appropriate treatment for distal hypospadias in terms of fistula rate, cosmesis of the meatus and operative duration.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 1997 and August 1998, 60 children (none of whom had previously undergone a procedure for hypospadias) underwent primary distal hypospadias repair in a prospective randomized trial. Thirty patients were allocated to undergo a Mathieu repair (mean age 24.9 months, range 9-72) and 30 a Snodgrass procedure (mean age 23.1 months, range 7-19). The mean follow-up was 15.4 months.

RESULTS: The mean duration of surgery was significantly lower for the Snodgrass procedure than for the Mathieu repair (75 vs 115 min, P < 0.05). Three children undergoing a Mathieu repair had complications (two a urethrocutaneous fistula and one a meatal stenosis), compared with only one in the Snodgrass group (glanular dehiscence). The resultant meatus was slit-like in all patients undergoing the Snodgrass repair whereas those with a Mathieu repair had a rounded and horizontal meatus.

CONCLUSION: The overall complication rate was lower and the surgery significantly quicker with the Snodgrass urethroplasty, which also had a better cosmetic outcome. The Snodgrass technique is recommended as a primary treatment for distal hypospadias.