Analysis of Post-operative early vs delayed removal of indwelling catheter in Urethrocutaneous fistula repair in hypospadias patients

Abstract

Introduction: The commonest complication following hypospadias repair is occurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula. The smaller fistulas (<2 mm) are easier to close with a simple closure but are not free from recurrence, so we had tried to draw attention and evaluate the correlation of duration of post-operative catheter retention and fistula recurrence. Aims: Comparative study of effect of early vs delayed removal of Catheter in cases of <=2mm Urethrocutaneous fistula secondary to Hypospadias repair. Materials and Methods: In this study we have evaluated a total of 20 patients operated during the period of July 2016 to Oct 2018 in whom the size of urethrocutaneous fistula was <=2mm and the effect of indwelling per-urethral catheter on the fistula recurrence post operatively. Results: The overall fistula recurrence following early removal of catheter was 10% only where as in the group of patients with delayed removal of catheter was 40% at first attempt. Conclusions: The treatment plan for a fistula must be individualized based on variables which has an effect on the outcome of repair and to an extent dictates the type of repair to be performed. A simple methodology of early removal of catheter may increase the chance of successful fistula repair.[Ghelani N Natl J Integr Res Med, 2019; 10(2):44-47]