Our Summary

This research paper discusses a study on the effectiveness of using autologous platelet gel in surgeries to correct hypospadias, a common male birth defect where the urinary opening is not at the tip of the penis. The study involved 30 children aged between 6 months and 12 years, who were divided into two groups. One group had the surgery with the application of autologous platelet gel, while the other group had the surgery without the gel. The results showed no significant difference in operation time between the two groups. However, the group that had the surgery with the gel had better results, with all patients having a single urine stream, compared to only 11 patients in the other group. The group without the gel also had more complications such as spray stream and fistula. Other complications like meatal stenosis, glans dehiscence, bleeding, infection, and edema were also more common in the group without the gel. The use of autologous platelet gel in hypospadias surgeries can promote better wound healing and reduce the risk of postoperative complications.

FAQs

  1. What is autologous platelet gel and how is it used in hypospadias repair surgeries?
  2. Did the use of autologous platelet gel in hypospadias repair surgery affect the operation time?
  3. What were the observed benefits of using autologous platelet gel in hypospadias repair surgeries according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing hypospadias repair to consider using autologous platelet gel during the surgery to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hypospadias repair are children who are born with this condition, as well as adults who may have struggled with this issue since birth. The surgery is usually recommended for patients who have difficulty urinating due to the abnormal positioning of the urinary opening, as well as for cosmetic reasons to improve the appearance of the penis. Additionally, patients with more severe cases of hypospadias, such as those with a chordee (a downward curvature of the penis), may also be recommended for surgery to correct the condition.

Timeline

Before hypospadias repair:

  1. Diagnosis of hypospadias during routine physical examination or prenatal ultrasound.
  2. Consultation with a pediatric urologist to discuss treatment options.
  3. Pre-operative evaluations and tests to assess the severity of the condition and overall health of the patient.
  4. Discussion with the surgeon about the surgical procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.

After hypospadias repair:

  1. Recovery period in the hospital or outpatient setting, depending on the extent of the surgery.
  2. Monitoring for postoperative complications such as infection, bleeding, and difficulty urinating.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to assess healing progress and remove any sutures.
  4. Gradual return to normal activities, with restrictions on physical activity and bathing to prevent complications.
  5. Long-term follow-up to monitor for any late complications or need for additional surgeries as the child grows.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is hypospadias and why is surgery needed to correct it?
  2. What are the different surgical techniques available for hypospadias repair?
  3. What are the risks and potential complications associated with hypospadias surgery?
  4. How long is the recovery period after hypospadias surgery?
  5. Will my child need additional surgeries in the future?
  6. What is autologous platelet gel and how does it work in hypospadias surgery?
  7. What are the potential benefits of using autologous platelet gel in hypospadias repair?
  8. Are there any risks or side effects associated with the use of autologous platelet gel?
  9. How does the use of autologous platelet gel compare to traditional surgical methods for hypospadias repair?
  10. What is the success rate of using autologous platelet gel in hypospadias surgeries, and what can we expect in terms of outcomes for my child?

Reference

Authors: Elsayem K, Darwish AS, AbouZeid AA, Kamel N, Dahab MM, El-Naggar O. Journal: J Pediatr Surg. 2022 Mar;57(3):488-491. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.03.058. Epub 2021 Apr 4. PMID: 33933265