Histology of the Urethral Plate: Implications for Hypospadias Repair

PURPOSE: We define the histology of the urethral plate in boys with hypospadias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subepithelial biopsies of the urethral plate were obtained in 17 boys, including 13 with distal and 4 with penoscrotal hypospadias. Ventral penile curvature was noted in 5 cases. Specimens were evaluated by 7 light microscopy after hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS: All biopsies demonstrated well vascularized connective tissue comprised of smooth muscle and collagen. There was no evidence of fibrous bands or dysplastic tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The urethral plate consists of epithelium overlying connective tissue. We found no histological evidence of fibrous cords historically considered responsible for chordee.