Hypospadias repair

Definition

Hypospadias repair is surgery to correct a birth defect in boys in which the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body) does not end at the tip of the penis. Instead, it ends on the underside. In more severe cases, the urethra opens at the middle or bottom of the penis, or even in or behind the scrotum.

See also: Hypospadias

Alternative Names

Orthoplasty; Urethroplasty; Meatoplasty; Glanuloplasty

Description

Hypospadias repair is usually done when boys are between 6 months and 2 years old. It is done on an outpatient basis. It rarely requires an overnight stay in the hospital.

Boys who are born with hypospadias do not have circumcision at birth. This is so their foreskin can be used for the repair during surgery.

Before surgery, your child will receive general anesthesia. This will make him unconscious and unable to feel pain during surgery. Mild defects may be repaired in one procedure. Severe defects may need two or more procedures.

The surgeon will use a small piece of foreskin or tissue from another site to create a tube that increases the length of your son's urethra. Extending the length of the urethra will allow it to open at the tip of the penis.

During surgery, the surgeon may place a catheter (tube) in the urethra to make it hold its new shape. The catheter may be sewn or fastened to the head of penis to keep it in place. It will be removed 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.

Most of the sutures (stitches) used during surgery will dissolve on their own and will not have to be removed later.

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia are:

• Allergic reactions to medicines
• Breathing problems

Risks for any surgery are:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clot

Additional risks for hypospadias are:

• Scarring or narrowing of the repaired urethra
• A hole that leaks urine
• Hematoma formation (large blood clot)