Do patch procedures prevent complications of the Mathieu technique?

Abstract

The effects of V-incision sutured (MAVIS) and dartos patch reinforcement techniques in reducing side effects and complications of the Mathieu procedure and improving the appearance of the meatus are evaluated. A total of 74 patients with distal shaft hypospadias without chordee or with minimal chordee were operated on by a single surgeon using Mathieu's technique. While only the classic Mathieu repair was performed in group 1, MAVIS and dorsal dartos patch reinforcement was included with the procedure in group 2. A silicone urethral catheter and foam silicone dressing were used in both patient groups. There were 32 cases in group 1 and 42 in group 2. Median patient age at operation was 3.2 and 3.4 years in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Mean postoperative period for the silicone catheter was 4.9 days in both groups. Followup ranged from 52 to 128 months (mean 76) for group 1 and 13 to 43 months (25.4) for group 2. Five fistulas and 1 meatal stricture developed in group 1 and all the children in this group required meatal calibration with dilatation in some. Neither fistula nor stricture occurred in group 2 and there was no need for calibration. A slit-like meatus was achieved in all children in group 2 but in only 12 in group 1. The MAVIS technique and dorsal dartos patch reinforcement may prevent complications of the classic Mathieu procedure. A slit-like meatus was obtained in all cases with this approach.