Our Summary

This study looked at how well families followed up with doctors after their child had surgery to correct hypospadias, a birth defect in boys where the opening of the urethra is not at the tip of the penis. The researchers examined records from 2012 for boys under 10 years old who had this surgery at their hospital. They found that most patients returned to have a stent (a small tube used to help healing) removed, and about 64% came back for a check-up within 3 months after the surgery. However, only 12% kept coming for visits after the boys were toilet trained. Boys with a more complicated form of hypospadias were more likely to return for these later visits. About 15% of the patients never came back for a follow-up visit. The study suggests that more effort is needed to ensure families understand the importance of regular check-ups after this surgery, especially for more complex cases.

FAQs

  1. What is hypospadias and how is it corrected?
  2. What was the follow-up rate for patients after hypospadias repair surgery according to the study?
  3. Why does the study emphasize the importance of regular check-ups after hypospadias repair surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hypospadias repair is to make sure to follow up with regular check-ups after the surgery, even after the child is toilet trained. These follow-up visits are important for monitoring healing, ensuring proper function, and addressing any potential complications that may arise. It is crucial to stay in communication with the healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcome for the child.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hypospadias repair are boys under 10 years old who have been diagnosed with this birth defect. In particular, those with more complicated forms of hypospadias may require surgical intervention to correct the positioning of the urethral opening on the penis. Regular follow-up visits with healthcare providers are important for monitoring the healing process and ensuring optimal outcomes after surgery. It is crucial for families to understand the importance of consistent follow-up care and to adhere to recommended post-operative appointments to support the child’s recovery and long-term health.

Timeline

Before hypospadias repair:

  • Patient is diagnosed with hypospadias, a birth defect in boys where the opening of the urethra is not at the tip of the penis.
  • Patient and family meet with a urologist to discuss treatment options and schedule surgery.
  • Patient undergoes surgery to correct the hypospadias, which may involve using tissue grafts to reposition the urethral opening.
  • Patient may have a stent placed to aid in healing after the surgery.

After hypospadias repair:

  • Patient returns to have the stent removed within a few weeks of the surgery.
  • Patient is scheduled for follow-up visits with the urologist to monitor healing and address any complications.
  • Patient may need additional surgeries or treatments to correct any persistent issues.
  • Patient continues to have regular check-ups with the urologist, especially during toilet training and as they grow older.
  • Patient may need ongoing care and monitoring to ensure optimal outcomes and long-term health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the success rate of the surgery for correcting hypospadias?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  4. Will my child need to have a stent placed after the surgery, and if so, how long will it need to stay in place?
  5. How often will my child need to come in for follow-up visits after the surgery?
  6. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a problem after the surgery?
  7. Are there any specific instructions or restrictions my child will need to follow during the recovery period?
  8. Will my child need any additional procedures or surgeries in the future related to the hypospadias repair?
  9. What long-term effects or complications should I be aware of following the surgery?
  10. Are there any resources or support groups available for families of children with hypospadias?

Reference

Authors: Batra NV, Heiman J, Koehlinger J, Dangle P, Meldrum KK, Whittam BM, Szymanski KM, Rink RC, Kaefer M, Cain MP, Misseri R, Roth JD. Journal: J Pediatr Urol. 2025 Jun;21(3):614-620. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2024.11.016. Epub 2024 Nov 22. PMID: 39627108