Buccal Mucosal Graft Urethroplasty

Buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty is a surgical procedure used to repair urethral strictures, which are narrowings of the urethra that can cause difficulties with urination and other complications. This technique involves harvesting a graft from the buccal mucosa (the inner lining of the cheek) and using it to reconstruct the urethra.

• Anesthesia: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
• Graft Harvesting: A small, rectangular piece of mucosa is harvested from the inner cheek. This area heals quickly with minimal discomfort and scarring.
• Urethral Reconstruction: The harvested graft is then used to replace or augment the narrowed segment of the urethra. The graft is sutured into place, allowing it to integrate with the surrounding urethral tissue.

• Biocompatibility: Buccal mucosa is well-suited for urethral reconstruction due to its robust vascularity, resistance to infection, and similar tissue characteristics.
• High Success Rates: The procedure has high success rates, often exceeding 85-90% in long-term follow-up.
• Minimal Donor Site Morbidity: The cheek heals quickly, with most patients experiencing minimal pain and complications.

• Donor Site Morbidity: Although generally minimal, there can be some discomfort, swelling, or numbness at the cheek harvest site.
• Stricture Recurrence: There is a small risk of stricture recurrence, necessitating further intervention.
• Complications: Potential complications include infection, bleeding, fistula formation, or graft failure.