title: Temporary re-catheterization as a treatment for early fistulas after hypospadias repair.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present the results of temporary urethral re-catheterization in order to aid spontaneous closure of early fistulas after hypospadias repair.
  
  
  METHODS
  Children presenting with early fistulas (within 2 weeks of initial catheter removal) after hypospadias repair underwent urethral calibration and re-insertion of a urethral catheter under intravenous anesthesia. The catheter was removed after 2 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine children (age 1-9 years) with early fistulas had re-catheterization: six (66%) had spontaneous healing of the fistula by 2 weeks, which remained closed at subsequent follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The simple technique of urethral re-catheterization may allow spontaneous healing of some early fistulas after hypospadias repair.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Urology & MAS, Rainbow Children's Hospitals, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Electronic address: vvsssekharam@yahoo.co.in.
authors.forename: V V S
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Chandrasekharam
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D020878:Device Removal; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007021:Hypospadias / Q000601:surgery*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014521:Urethra / Q000601:surgery; D014522:Urethral Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D014548:Urinary Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: Catheter; Early; Fistula; Hypospadias