The use of full-thickness skin grafts in the reconstruction of the male urethra

Since 1954 full-thickness skin grafts have been used in the repair of a multitude of complex urethral problems. At our institution we have adopted a two team approach utilizing the expertise of both a plastic and a urologic surgeon. We will present our experience with 24 cases of complex urethral strictures. Our results have been very gratifying, with an 80% success rate. The most common complication we have encountered has been restricturing at the proximal or distal anastomotic site. This has been easily overcome with the use of cold knife urethrotomy or regrafting.