patIents anD methoDs

Introduction. Several surgical approaches are currently in use for distal hypospadias. Herein, we present our technique of meatal mobilization (MEMO) and provide both early and long-term outcome data. patients and methods. We investigated 145 patients who underwent repair of distal hypospadias using the MEMO technique. Forty-six patients are short-term (Group A) with a mean follow-up of 28.5 months. Ninety-nine patients (Group B) were available for long-term follow-up (mean 85 months). After penile degloving, mobility of the meatus is evaluated and after urethral preparation the meatus is fixed to the tip of the glans. Glanuloplasty covers the neo-urethra providing a barrier layer. Shaft skin reconstruction completes the procedure. Patients were evaluated regarding operative time, perior postoperative complications, hospital stay as well as functional and cosmetic outcome. results. Mean duration of surgery was 73 minutes. There were no intraoperative complications. There was no repair breakdown, new-onset chordee, or meatal stenosis. Primary success rate was 97% in the shortterm group. In one patient the meatus retracted but remained in the glans. No urethral fistula was seen. During long-term follow-up (group B) one urethral fistula and two meatal retractions occurred that required redo surgery. In one patient a mild ventral penile deviation without a need for correction was noted leaving a success rate of 96%. Conclusions. The MEMO-technique is a valid and reliable method for the correction of distal hypospadias. Complications are minimal while the cosmetic results are excellent. Early success rates exceed 95%. The consistent long-term data prove the durability and effectiveness of this simplified technique. meatal mobilization (memo) technique for distal hypospadias repair: technique, results and long-term follow-up Joerg seibold1, bastian amend1, saladin helmut alloussi1, Daniela Colleselli1, tilman todenhoefer1, georgios gakis1, axel merseburger2, karl-Dietrich sievert1, arnulf stenzl1, Christian schwentner1 1Department of Urology, Eberhard-Karls University, Tubingen, Germany 2Department of Urology, University of Hannover, Germany