BUCCAL MUCOSAL GRAFT -AN IDEAL SUBSTITUTE FOR LONG SEGMENTAL URETHRAL STRICTURE

Buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty has emerged as an ideal substitute for the surgical management of long segment urethral strictures due to its superior structural and functional properties. BMG offers a thick, resilient epithelium, rapid revascularization, and minimal donor site morbidity, making it the preferred graft material for substitution urethroplasty.[4][7] Clinical studies demonstrate high success rates exceeding 85% even in strictures exceeding 4 cm, with effective use in dorsal, ventral, lateral, or combined grafting techniques.[6] Compared to other graft sources like penile skin flaps, BMG shows lower recurrence and complication rates. While long-term recurrence remains a challenge, ongoing advances including tissue-engineered buccal mucosa aim to improve durability and reduce donor site morbidity. Overall, BMG urethroplasty represents the current gold standard for reconstructing complex and long anterior urethral strictures with satisfactory functional and anatomical outcomes. In our institute we perform Dorsal ONLAY BMG for long segmental (>2cm) stricture in all cases.[19]