Our Summary

This research paper looked at the effectiveness of two types of surgical dressings used after a specific kind of penis repair surgery in children, called hypospadias repair. The two dressings included a glue-like substance called 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (OC) and a standard waterproof transparent dressing (WD).

The researchers reviewed the medical records of all patients who had this type of surgery over a two-year period. They found that one of the three doctors in the practice mainly used OC, while the other two mainly used WD.

They then looked at different potential complications that could arise after the surgery - such as the need for additional surgery to drain blood clots, infections, narrowing of the urinary opening, abnormal holes between the urethra and skin, wound separation, and formation of a pouch in the urethra.

The researchers found that out of 280 patients, 122 had OC used and 3 (2.4%) had complications, while out of 158 patients who had WD used, 5 (3.2%) had complications. No patients had blood clots, wound separation, pouch formation in the urethra, or infections.

The overall conclusion was that both OC and WD are safe options as surgical dressings following hypospadias repair, with a low rate of complications. The choice between the two mainly depends on the surgeon’s preference.

FAQs

  1. What is hypospadias repair surgery?
  2. What are the potential complications that could arise after hypospadias repair surgery?
  3. What were the results of the comparison between 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (OC) and a standard waterproof transparent dressing (WD) in terms of post-surgery complications?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hypospadias repair is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully and to keep the surgical dressing clean and dry to reduce the risk of complications. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hypospadias repair surgery are infants and young children who are born with a congenital condition where the opening of the urethra is not located at the tip of the penis. This can cause difficulty with urination and potentially lead to other complications if not corrected. The surgery is usually recommended to improve the function and appearance of the penis.

Timeline

Before hypospadias repair:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with hypospadias, a condition where the urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis instead of the tip.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and consultations with the surgeon.
  3. Surgery is scheduled and patient and family are informed about pre-operative instructions.

After hypospadias repair:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to correct the position of the urethral opening.
  2. Patient is monitored in the hospital for a period of time post-surgery.
  3. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the days following surgery.
  4. Surgical dressings, such as OC or WD, are applied to aid in healing.
  5. Patient is instructed on post-operative care, including wound care and follow-up appointments.
  6. Patient may experience complications such as blood clots, infections, or narrowing of the urinary opening, which may require additional treatment.
  7. Patient is monitored for long-term outcomes, such as urethral function and cosmetic appearance of the penis.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about hypospadias repair include:

  1. What are the potential complications associated with hypospadias repair surgery?
  2. What type of surgical dressing will be used after the surgery - OC or WD?
  3. Are there any differences in outcomes or complications between using OC and WD?
  4. How will the surgical dressing affect the healing process and overall recovery?
  5. What is the surgeon’s experience with using OC or WD for hypospadias repair?
  6. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow regarding the surgical dressing after the surgery?
  7. How will I know if there are any complications or issues with the surgical dressing post-surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative dressing options or techniques that can be considered?
  9. What steps can I take to optimize the healing process and reduce the risk of complications after hypospadias repair surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations associated with the choice of surgical dressing for hypospadias repair?

Reference

Authors: Brockway WJ, Bradsher AJ, Hook JE, Patel AS, Zamilpa I, Canon SJ. Journal: Can J Urol. 2019 Feb;26(1):9675-9679. PMID: 30797251