|
What
is hypospadias?
Hypospadias
is a birth defect found in boys in which the urinary
tract opening is not located properly at the tip of
the penis, this occurs in about 1 in 100 male births.
When a boy is born with hypospadias, there is a 20%
chance of finding hypospadias in another family
member, such as a father or a brother.
There are
varying degrees of severity of hypospadias and several
different surgical procedures to correct it, depending
upon the type. "Chordee", a bending of the
penis on erection, sometimes occurs with hypospadias.
In this case, hypospadias repair and chordee repairs
are performed at the same time. Hypospadias surgery
will be performed to extend the urinary tube (urethra)
to the end of the penis, while the chordee repair will
straighten out the penis.
Why
should hypospadias be treated?
The
ability to stand and urinate is important for boys.
When the urethra opens before it reaches the tip of
the penis, a boy may be unable to stand and urinate
with a direct stream. The youngster who has to sit to
urinate is at an extreme social disadvantage.
Additionally, as an adult male, a straight penis is
necessary for satisfactory sexual function and
reproduction.
How
is hypospadias treated?
Hypospadias
is treated through surgery and early childhood is
generally the best time for surgical correction of
hypospadias because younger children tend to tolerate
the discomfort of surgery better than older children.
Additionally, psychological studies indicate that the
best time to perform surgery on the male genitalia is
between the ages of 8 months to 18 months.
The
surgical procedure for hypospadias correction and the
surgical recovery time will vary depending upon the
severity of the problem. Mild cases of hypospadias,
with minimal chordee, are often corrected by simple
outpatient procedures. Moderate to severe cases with
chordee may require more extensive surgery with a stay
in a hospital.
What
are the possible complications of hypospadias repair?
There are
a number of possible risks associated with any
surgical procedure. Some of the more common
complications associated with hypospadias surgeries
are as follow:
Bleeding
is controlled post-operatively by
the use of pressure dressings. However, a small amount
of bleeding for the first several days
post-operatively is normal. A few drops of blood or a
spot no larger than a quarter on the diaper is
acceptable.
Bladder
Spasms usually due to
the presence of the in-dwelling catheters are common
post-operatively and are controlled by medications
that relax the bladder.
Infections
are a risk after any surgical
procedure, is uncommon after hypospadias repair. To
prevent infection the child may be prescribed an oral
antibiotic for several days post-operatively. The
child may develop a fever or other signs of infection
including any increase in redness, swelling, or the
presence of pus at the incision site.
Fistula
is a urine leak from the newly
formed urethra, usually requires outpatient surgical
repair.
Stenosis
is a narrowing of the urethra and
is a serious but a rare complication following
hypospadias repair.
Recurrent
Chordee is an uncommon
complication, but does require surgical correction to
repair.
MORE
WEBSITES DISCUSSING HYPOSPADIAS
Abnormal
Development of the Penis
Columbia
University Site
CPMC
net Department of Urology
University
of Michigan Site
Hypospadias
in Kid
Peds
UroLogic
SleepTight.Com
Texas
Pediatric Surgical Associates
CDC
Media Relations - Hypospadias
|
