title: Dorsal free graft urethroplasty.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Dorsal free graft urethroplasty was performed to reduce the incidence of urethrocele.
  
  
  METHODS
  We treated 12 patients with penile and 13 with bulbous strictures. Of the 13 patients with a bulbous stricture 6 received a dorsally placed tube graft and 7 received a patch graft.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Temporary fistulas were seen on postoperative urethrography in 5 cases but they all resolved spontaneously. At a mean followup of 35.8 months clinical and radiological findings were excellent in 23 cases and good in 2. No signs of graft weakening, such as post-void dribbling or diminished ejaculation, were apparent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of free skin grafts for urethral reconstruction is anatomically healthier in the dorsal than in the ventral position.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010413:Penis / Q000601:surgery; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D014521:Urethra / Q000601:surgery*; D014525:Urethral Stricture / Q000601:surgery*