Propeller Flap Perineal Urethrostomy Revision

• Published in: Urology (Ridgewood, N.J.) Vol. 148; pp. 302 - 305
• Main Authors: Schulster, Michael L., Dy, Geolani W., Vranis, Neil M., Jun, Min S., Shakir, Nabeel A., Levine, Jamie P., Zhao, Lee C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-02-2021
• Subjects: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Ostomy; Perforator Flap; Perineum - surgery; Reoperation; Urethra - surgery; Urethral Stricture - surgery; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male - methods
• ISSN: 0090-4295; 1527-9995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.12.002

To describe a technique for perineal urethrostomy (PU) revision using a posterior thigh propeller flap for a complex repair at high risk for stenosis.
Our technique utilizes the consistent posterior thigh perforators for a local flap with ideal length and thickness for repair. The stenotic PU is incised. Potential flaps are marked around a perforator blood supply closest to the defect. The flap is then elevated and rotated on its pedicle with its apex placed directly in the defect. Absorbable sutures partially tubularize the flap apex at the level of the urethrotomy which is calibrated to 30 Fr. We subsequently monitored the patient's clinical progress.
With 17 months of follow-up the patient is voiding well without complaint, reports improved quality of life with a patent PU. Post void residuals have been less than 100cc. The patient, who has had a long history of urinary tract infections requiring hospitalization, has only reported one infection during follow up which was treated as an out-patient.
For challenging PU revisions a distant local propeller flap of healthy tissue outside the zone of injury is the ideal choice for length, thickness, and minimal morbidity resulting in excellent clinical results for our patient.