Our Summary
This study looked at whether giving antibiotics before and after a specific kind of surgery in children (called distal hypospadias repair) helped to prevent infections. The researchers looked at past records of patients who had this surgery, some of whom received antibiotics and some who did not. They found that the use of antibiotics didn’t make a big difference to the rate of infections. They also found that all the patients who did get infections had been given antibiotics after the surgery. There was also one case of a particular kind of infection in a patient who had received antibiotics before the surgery. The researchers concluded that it might not be necessary to give antibiotics for this kind of surgery, and this could help reduce the problem of antibiotic resistance.
FAQs
- Did the study find that antibiotics before and after distal hypospadias repair helped prevent infections?
- Did any of the patients who didn’t receive antibiotics get an infection after the surgery?
- How could not giving antibiotics for this kind of surgery potentially help reduce the problem of antibiotic resistance?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about hypospadias repair is to discuss the potential risks and benefits of using antibiotics before and after the surgery. It is important to weigh the potential risk of developing an infection against the risk of contributing to antibiotic resistance. Patients should also follow post-operative care instructions closely to reduce the risk of infection. It is always best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your individual situation.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended hypospadias repair include infants and young children with congenital hypospadias, a condition in which the urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis instead of at the tip. Hypospadias repair is typically recommended for patients with significant functional or cosmetic concerns related to the condition. Additionally, patients who experience recurrent urinary tract infections or difficulty with urination due to hypospadias may also benefit from surgical repair. It is important to consult with a pediatric urologist or specialist to determine if hypospadias repair is the appropriate treatment option for a specific individual.
Timeline
Before hypospadias repair:
- Consultation with a pediatric urologist to discuss the surgery
- Pre-operative assessment and tests
- Consent for the surgery
- Antibiotics may be prescribed before the surgery
After hypospadias repair:
- Recovery period in the hospital
- Post-operative care and monitoring for any complications
- Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infections
- Follow-up appointments with the pediatric urologist to ensure proper healing
- Potential need for additional surgeries or procedures for cosmetic or functional reasons
Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after hypospadias repair involves pre-operative preparation, the surgery itself, and post-operative care to ensure successful outcomes.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- Is antibiotic treatment necessary before and/or after hypospadias repair surgery?
- What are the potential risks and benefits of antibiotic use in this specific surgery?
- Are there alternative measures to prevent infection besides antibiotics?
- How common are infections in patients who undergo hypospadias repair surgery?
- What signs and symptoms should I watch for after surgery that may indicate an infection?
- How will infections be treated if they occur after surgery?
- Are there any specific factors that may increase my risk of infection after hypospadias repair surgery?
- Are there any steps I can take before or after surgery to reduce my risk of infection?
Reference
Authors: Doersch KM, Logvinenko T, Nelson CP, Yetistirici O, Venna AM, Masoom SN, Diamond DA. Journal: J Pediatr Urol. 2022 Dec;18(6):759-763. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2022.05.003. Epub 2022 May 13. PMID: 35644789