Our Summary
This study looked at how effective a certain surgical technique, known as bipolar diathermy (BD), was in repairing a common birth defect in boys where the opening of the urethra (tube that carries urine out of the body) is on the underside of the penis rather than at the end (a condition called hypospadias). They reviewed the cases of 310 patients who had undergone this procedure over 11 years. This technique was used for all stages of the surgery, including making the initial incision, separating tissues, and creating a new urethral opening.
The average surgery time was 70 minutes, and there were no cases of significant bleeding, wound infections, or tissue death. Some patients experienced complications after surgery, with the most common being the formation of an unintended hole in the urethra. However, this only occurred in just under 12% of patients.
The patients were also evaluated on the cosmetic results of the surgery, with over 90% scoring 14 or more on a scale that rated the appearance of the repaired area (with higher scores indicating more satisfactory results).
Despite some limitations in the study, such as it being retrospective and other variables that could affect the outcome, the researchers concluded that bipolar diathermy is a safe and effective method for repairing hypospadias. It allows for good control of bleeding during surgery and clear visibility of the tissues, and the rate of complications and the cosmetic results compare favorably to other techniques reported in the literature.
FAQs
- What is bipolar diathermy and how is it used in hypospadias repair?
- What were the most common complications experienced by patients after the hypospadias repair surgery using bipolar diathermy?
- How did the researchers evaluate the cosmetic results of the surgery, and what were the results?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hypospadias repair using bipolar diathermy is to ask about this technique and consider it as a potential option for their surgery. The study showed positive outcomes, with low rates of complications and high satisfaction with the cosmetic results. It is important for patients to discuss all available options with their healthcare provider to make an informed decision about their treatment.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for hypospadias repair include boys with a congenital condition where the opening of the urethra is located on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip. This condition can lead to difficulties with urination and sexual function, as well as potential psychological issues related to the appearance of the genitalia. Hypospadias repair is usually recommended for boys who have significant functional or cosmetic concerns related to their condition.
Timeline
Before the hypospadias repair surgery, the patient may have experienced difficulty with urination, as well as psychological distress due to the appearance of their genitalia. The patient would have undergone pre-operative evaluations and consultations with the surgical team to discuss the procedure and potential risks and benefits.
After the surgery, the patient would have been monitored closely for any complications such as bleeding, infection, or issues with wound healing. They would have had follow-up appointments to assess the cosmetic results of the surgery and ensure proper healing of the surgical site. The patient may have also undergone additional procedures or interventions to address any complications that arose post-operatively. Overall, the goal of the hypospadias repair surgery is to improve the patient’s urinary function and appearance of their genitalia, ultimately improving their quality of life.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What is the success rate of the bipolar diathermy technique for hypospadias repair?
- How long does the surgery typically take?
- What are the potential complications associated with this technique?
- How soon after surgery can normal activities be resumed?
- How will the appearance of the repaired area be evaluated and what are the expected cosmetic results?
- Are there any long-term effects or risks associated with this surgical technique?
- What is the post-operative care and follow-up process like?
- Are there any alternative surgical techniques available for hypospadias repair?
- What should I expect in terms of recovery time and pain management after surgery?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take following the procedure?
Reference
Authors: Bagnara V, Giammusso B, Castagnetti M, Esposito C, Bianchi A. Journal: J Pediatr Urol. 2020 Feb;16(1):69.e1-69.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2019.10.015. Epub 2019 Oct 23. PMID: 31740147