Oral mucosa harvest for urologic reconstruction: role of maxillofacial surgeon and donor-site morbidity evaluation

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to present retrospective analysis of our experience regarding complications associated with the donor site after oral mucosa harvest for urethral reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2010 and January 2013, a total of 18 patients with recurrent urethral strictures received a buccal mucosal graft for urethral reconstruction at the San Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Turin, Turin. All operations were performed in a 2-team approach. All patients were retrospectively evaluated by clinical examination and using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Urethroplasty with oral mucosa graft was performed successfully in a 1-step procedure in 17 of 18 patients. No intraoperative complications were observed.The most common complication occurring at the buccal donor site was scarring and contracture (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS: Oral mucosa graft for urethroplasty is a simple and safe method in the interdisciplinary treatment of urethral strictures. Donor-site morbidity measured by clinical assessment and questionnaire is tolerable.