Our Summary

This research paper looks into how a surgeon’s experience affects the success of a specific procedure called one-stage hypospadias repair, which is a surgery to correct a birth defect in boys where the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis. The researchers looked back at 73 cases performed by one surgeon between 2007 and 2018. They then grouped these cases into groups of 20 and compared the number of complications in each group.

The findings showed that as the surgeon gained more experience, the rate of complications decreased. After around 50 cases, the number of complications leveled out, suggesting that it took about 50 surgeries for the surgeon to reach a consistent level of competency. The time it took to perform the surgery also decreased as the surgeon gained more experience. This suggests that experience and practice can improve surgical outcomes, but also highlights the importance of having experienced surgeons supervise less experienced ones in their early surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What is one-stage hypospadias repair?
  2. How does a surgeon’s experience affect the success rate of one-stage hypospadias repair?
  3. What is the significance of the decrease in complications after around 50 surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hypospadias repair is to choose a surgeon who has significant experience performing this specific procedure. This research suggests that the surgeon’s experience can impact the success of the surgery and reduce the risk of complications. It may be beneficial to ask the surgeon about their experience and success rate with hypospadias repair before undergoing the procedure.

Suitable For

Typically, patients with hypospadias, a birth defect where the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis, are recommended for hypospadias repair surgery. This surgery is usually performed in boys at a young age to correct the anatomical abnormality and improve urinary and sexual function. Patients with severe hypospadias or those experiencing complications such as difficulty urinating, abnormal curvature of the penis, or urinary tract infections may also be recommended for hypospadias repair. It is important for patients to consult with a pediatric urologist or a surgeon specializing in hypospadias to determine the best course of treatment for their specific case.

Timeline

Before hypospadias repair, a patient may undergo a series of consultations with a urologist or pediatric surgeon to discuss the surgical procedure, risks, and potential outcomes. The patient may also undergo pre-operative testing and evaluations to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.

After hypospadias repair, the patient will typically stay in the hospital for a few days to recover. During this time, they may experience pain and discomfort, which can be managed with medication. The patient will also need to follow specific post-operative care instructions, such as keeping the surgical site clean and avoiding activities that may strain the area.

In the weeks and months following surgery, the patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns. It may take several months for the surgical site to fully heal and for the patient to see the final results of the surgery. In some cases, additional surgeries or procedures may be needed to address complications or achieve the desired outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How many hypospadias repair surgeries have you performed?
  2. What is your success rate with this procedure?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hypospadias repair?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and follow-up care after surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options for hypospadias repair?
  6. How long have you been performing hypospadias repair surgeries?
  7. Do you have any specific training or expertise in this type of surgery?
  8. What should I expect during the surgery and post-operative period?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after the surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with any before-and-after photos of previous patients who have undergone hypospadias repair with you?

Reference

Authors: Hisamatsu E, Sugita Y, Haruna A, Shibata R, Yoshino K. Journal: J Pediatr Urol. 2021 Jun;17(3):330.e1-330.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.01.005. Epub 2021 Jan 15. PMID: 33526367