Preservation of Glanular Cleft in the Configuration of a Vertical Slit NeoMeatus in Modified Mathieu Hypospadias Repair

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to review the results of modified Mathieu's repair in a single surgeon's series. The technique involved preserving the apical part of the glanular cleft including the lips, part of the un-formed glanular meatus in the reconstruction of a vertical slit neomeatus. The achievement of a vertical slit neomeatus was critically assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out for all cases of Mathieu's repair done by a single surgeon over the past 22 years (1995–2017). Inclusion criteria included all cases of coronal, subcoronal and distal penile hypospadias. Cases done as redo secondary Mathieu's procedure were also included irrespective of the type of primary procedure. RESULTS: A total of 97 cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 91 patients had a primary Mathieu's procedure. Six patients had a Mathieu's repair as a secondary operation. The complications included 4 fistulas (4.12%), 3 meatal retractions (3.09%) and 2 mild stenosis (2.06%). There were no breakdowns of the repair Ninety-four patients (96.90%) had a glanular vertical slit neomeatus. This included patients with a fistula and both patients with mild stenosis. All fistulas were successfully closed in a single attempt. Four patients (4.12%) had a slight splaying of the lower end of the meatus and three circular neomeatus (3.09%). Both cases of stenosis responded well to dilatation. CONCLUSION: Mathieu's repair is an old and time-tested technique used in surgery of distal hypospadias. With modification aiming to preserve the apical part of the glanular cleft adopted, a vertical slit neomeatus can be achieved readily as shown by our series and major complications appear rather uncommon.