Our Summary

This research paper examined the occurrence of complications following a common type of hypospadias surgery, which is a procedure used to correct a congenital condition where the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis instead of at the tip. The authors reviewed studies published between 2005 and 2015 and found that the rate of complications varied widely. After analyzing data from over 6,600 patients, they found that the average rate of fistula (an abnormal connection between two body parts) was 7.5%, stricture or narrowing of the urethra was 4.4%, and dehiscence or wound separation was 2.1%. These findings provide a standard against which surgeons can compare their own results.

FAQs

  1. What is hypospadias surgery and what does it aim to correct?
  2. What was the average rate of complications found in the studies reviewed about hypospadias repair?
  3. How can the findings of this research paper be useful to surgeons performing hypospadias repair?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient undergoing hypospadias repair is to closely follow post-operative care instructions to reduce the risk of complications such as fistula, stricture, or wound separation. This may include keeping the surgical area clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities that could put strain on the surgical site, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon for monitoring and evaluation. It’s important for patients to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly to ensure optimal healing and recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hypospadias repair are infants and young children who are born with this congenital condition. Surgery is typically recommended to correct the positioning of the urethral opening and improve the function and appearance of the penis. It is important for patients to undergo surgery at a young age to prevent potential complications and psychological distress as they grow older.

Timeline

Before hypospadias repair:

  • Patient is diagnosed with hypospadias, a congenital condition where the urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and consultations with urologists and surgeons
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient and family are educated on the procedure and potential risks

After hypospadias repair:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to correct the positioning of the urethral opening
  • Post-operative care includes monitoring for complications such as fistula, stricture, and wound separation
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the days following surgery
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess healing and address any concerns
  • Recovery period varies but typically involves a few weeks of restricted activity and careful wound care
  • Long-term follow-up may be necessary to monitor for any recurrent issues or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hypospadias repair surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of the procedure in terms of achieving a functional and cosmetically satisfactory result?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care involved?
  4. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of?
  5. Will additional surgeries or follow-up procedures be necessary in the future?
  6. What is the experience and expertise of the surgeon performing the procedure?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  8. How will the surgery impact sexual function and fertility in the future?
  9. Are there any lifestyle or activity restrictions I should be aware of after the surgery?
  10. How can I best prepare myself physically and emotionally for the procedure and recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Hardwicke JT, Bechar JA, Hodson J, Osmani O, Park AJ. Journal: J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2015 Dec;68(12):1647-55. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2015.07.024. Epub 2015 Aug 6. PMID: 26272009