Anterior Urethral Reconstruction (Lingual Mucosal Graft) - Urethroplasty

Lingual mucosal graft urethroplasty for anterior urethral reconstruction is shown in this material. Urethroplasty is a surgery where the urethra is reconstructed to cure problems like urethral strictures. The types of surgeries are varied and depend upon the location, cause, and length of the stricture. There are 2 general types of urethroplasty proceudres: primary anastamotic repairs and substitution repairs. Primary anastamotic repairs involve excision of the stricture with reconnection of the healthy ends of urethra in a widened configuration. Substitution urethroplasty involves tissue transfer techniques typically using buccal or lingual mucosa grafts or genital skin flaps to build on to the stricture and increase its caliber. When possible, anastamotic repairs are preferred as they are less complex and carry excellent durable success rates (>90%). There are certain situations, usually when the stricture is too long, where substitution techniques are required. These too carry excellent success rates (>80%). Certain cases require a combination of techniques, typically when there are multiple severe strictures present.