Medium-term and long-term evaluation of spongioplasty in hypospadias repair.

Introduction: Spongioplasty for the treatment of hypospadias consists of tubulization urethroplasty combined with dissection and midline approximation of the two divergent hemicorpora spongiosa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the medium-term and long-term cosmetic and functional results, and satisfaction of patients operated by this technique. Material and Methods: Fifty spongioplasties were performed by the same surgeon between 1990 and 1996. Foreskin reconstruction was performed in 40 patients. 48 patients were reviewed between 2002 and 2003. Results: The immediate results revealed fistula in 8% of cases, meatal stricture in 4% of cases, and foreskin complications in 14% of cases. The long-term results showed persistence of an unsightly operative scar in 8% of cases, residual chordee in 6% of cases, meatal retraction in 8% of cases, and persistent partial stricture in 4% of cases. 92% of patients declared that they were satisfied with the results of surgery. Conclusion: The immediate results of spongioplasty are similar to those obtained by other techniques and long-term follow-up shows maintenance of the cosmetic and functional results.