Appropriate stenting in hypospadias surgery Appropriate stenting in hypospadias surgery Introduction Introduction

Introduction The dicta of contemporary hypospadias surgery focus on sound principles of plastic reconstructive surgery. These include the use of optical magnification and microinstrumentation with fine suture material, as well as delicate tissue handling. In order to achieve a leak-free tissue closure that heals with minimal scarring or deformity, stenting the urethra following hypospadias surgery has been a standard adjuvant manoeuvre. Three functions are accomplished: these are (1) avoidance of obstruction secondary to oedema formation which may last for up to 1 week, (2) maintenance of luminal continuity until epithelialization and tensile strength is obtained in the healing wound, and (3) prevention of forceful urination with leakage through suture lines into the surrounding tissues. Other functions include immobilization of suture lines, reduction of tissue reaction, and the avoidance of painful urination.