It is estimated that 1 in every 2,000 males is born with a condition known as hypospadias. This refers to a congenital anomaly where the urethral opening is located on the side of the penis, rather than at the end of the organ. Male infants with hypospadias are not necessarily born with the condition, but rather develop it in the womb.

Until the diagnosis is made, however, it can be extremely difficult to tell whether the child has hypospadias or another, more common urogenital anomaly known as cloacal exstrophy. Once a child has been identified as being born with hypospadias, it is important to understand the condition and why it is necessary for surgery to correct it.

What is Hypospadias?

Hypospadias is a congenital anomaly of the urinary tract where the opening of the urethra is located on the sides of the penis rather than at the end. In most cases, hypospadias is caused by an abnormal formation at the time of conception.

Other possible causes of hypospadias include abnormal genetic inheritance, exposure to certain toxins while in the womb, and other problems with the birth process.

The types of hypospadias are classified by where the urethral opening is located. If the urethral opening is on the tip of the penis, the condition is known as “Type I” hypospadias. If the urethral opening is near the base of the penis, it is known as “Type II” hypospadias.

Hypospadias Surgery Explained

There are multiple surgical techniques that can correct hypospadias, but surgical repair is often recommended for hypospadias because it can often address other issues associated with the condition.

For example, if the bladder outlet is blocked, a surgical repair can often correct this and help the child urinate normally.

Some hypospadias surgeries are performed on children, while others are done on adults after the patient is 18 years old. If surgery is performed on an infant, the procedure is often done with a procedure known as posterior urethroplasty.

Types of Hypospadias Surgery

There are four types of hypospadias surgery that doctors may recommend for infants with hypospadias:

• A Penile Prosthesis: A silicone implant is used to create a urethral opening at the tip of the penis, thereby allowing for normal urination. This prosthesis can be removed at age 18 or later.
• A Urethral Stent: An inflatable tube is placed in the urinary bladder to create a passage to the urethra. This stent can be removed at age 18 or later.
• A Vaginal Prosthesis: A plastic device is surgically implanted in the bladder that is connected to a urethral opening on the penis. This device can be removed after a short period of time.
• A Transurethral Resorption Tube (TUR-Tube): A surgical tube is placed into the urethra to create a passage to the bladder. This tube can be removed after a short period of time.

Why Is Hypospadias Surgery Needed?

The main reason that hypospadias surgery is recommended is that it can address issues associated with the urinary tract. If the bladder is blocked, it can often be corrected by performing a bladder augmentation procedure.

If the urethra is blocked, a surgical repair can often correct this and help the child urinate normally.

For other issues, a hypospadias repair can often treat other congenital anomalies that sometimes accompany hypospadias, such as an enlarged clitoris in girls. A hypospadias repair is often recommended for girls who have a condition known as clitoromegaly.

After Hypospadias Surgery

Hypospadias surgery is performed on infants and children, so it is very important to follow post-operative guidelines to avoid complications. The most common complication associated with hypospadias repair is bleeding, which can be controlled with medication.

Other complications that may occur include infection, damage to the bladder and other urinary organs, and the formation of a urinary stent.

If any of these complications occur and blood loss is significant, the surgeon needs to clear the affected area of blood to avoid injury to the nearby organs.

For girls who have hypospadias repair, it is often recommended that you wear a hygiene garment post-operatively to prevent the accumulation of urine in your clothing.

Risks and Complications of Hypospadias Surgery

Risks and complications associated with hypospadias surgery depend largely on the type of surgery performed. For example, a penile prosthesis can cause urinary retention, bladder obstruction, and other issues.

Another possible complication that may occur with hypospadias surgery is bleeding, which can be controlled with medication.

Again, if any of these complications occur and bleeding is significant, the surgeon needs to clear the affected area of blood to avoid injury to the nearby organs.

Summary

In summary, hypospadias surgery is recommended for infants with hypospadias because it can often address issues associated with the urinary tract. Some hypospadias surgeries are performed on children, while others are done on adults after the patient is 18 years old. If surgery is performed on an infant, the procedure is often done with a procedure known as posterior urethroplasty.

After hypospadias surgery, you may need to wear a hygiene garment to prevent the accumulation of urine in your clothing.