Our Summary

This research paper is a review of previous studies looking at two different methods of repairing a common birth defect found in boys - hypospadias. Hypospadias is a condition where the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis, instead of at the tip. The two methods compared in this review are either using a stent (a small tube used to keep the urethra open) or not using a stent during the repair.

The researchers looked at 20 studies involving 2,466 boys who had a hypospadias repair. Half of the boys had a repair using a stent and the other half had a repair without using a stent. The researchers found that there was no significant difference in the rates of complications (problems that occur after surgery) between the two methods. This suggests that both methods are equally safe and effective.

However, the researchers caution that the quality of the evidence from the studies was low to moderate, meaning that more research is needed to confirm these findings.

FAQs

  1. What is hypospadias and how is it repaired?
  2. What were the findings of the review of studies comparing the use of a stent versus not using a stent in hypospadias repair?
  3. What is the significance of the quality of evidence from the studies reviewed?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might give to a patient undergoing hypospadias repair is to follow post-operative care instructions closely to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include keeping the surgical area clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking any prescribed medications as directed. Additionally, it is important for the patient to attend follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Overall, patients with hypospadias are typically recommended for surgical repair, especially if the condition is causing functional issues such as difficulty with urination or sexual function. The decision to use a stent during the repair may depend on the specific circumstances of the individual patient and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Timeline

Before hypospadias repair:

  1. Diagnosis of hypospadias during infancy or early childhood
  2. Consultation with pediatric urologist to discuss treatment options
  3. Preoperative evaluations and tests to assess the severity of the condition
  4. Discussion with the surgical team about the procedure and potential risks
  5. Surgery scheduled and preparation for the operation

After hypospadias repair:

  1. Recovery period in the hospital or outpatient setting
  2. Monitoring for any signs of infection or complications
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgical team to assess healing and progress
  4. Potential removal of stent if used during the repair
  5. Long-term follow-up to monitor for any issues with urinary function or cosmetic appearance
  6. Psychological support for the patient and family to address any emotional concerns related to the condition and surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the risks and benefits of using a stent during the repair surgery?
  2. How long will the recovery process be if a stent is used compared to not using a stent?
  3. Are there any long-term effects or complications associated with either method?
  4. What is the success rate of the surgery using a stent versus not using a stent?
  5. Are there any specific factors about my child’s case that may make one method more suitable than the other?
  6. What is the expected outcome in terms of cosmetic appearance and function of the penis after the surgery?
  7. What follow-up care will be needed after the surgery, and how will the recovery process be monitored?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  9. What experience do you have in performing hypospadias repair surgeries, and what is your success rate?
  10. Are there any specific precautions or lifestyle changes that need to be taken into consideration before and after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Chua M, Welsh C, Amir B, Silangcruz JM, Ming J, Gnech M, Sanger S, Lorenzo A, Braga LH, Bägli D. Journal: J Pediatr Urol. 2018 Jun;14(3):212-219. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2017.11.023. Epub 2018 Feb 9. PMID: 29580732