Our Summary

This study looked at how different blood parameters might predict complications after a specific type of surgery for hypospadias, a birth defect in boys where the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis. The researchers analyzed data from patients who had this surgery performed by a single surgeon between January 2016 and January 2019. They measured levels of various types of blood cells and other factors in the blood the day before the surgery and then looked at any complications that occurred after the surgery. They found that higher levels of white blood cells and a specific type of white blood cell called neutrophils were associated with a higher risk of complications. Other factors they looked at didn’t seem to make a difference. Overall, this research suggests that these two blood parameters might be helpful in predicting which patients are more likely to have complications after hypospadias surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is hypospadias and how is it corrected through surgery?
  2. What were the key findings of this study regarding blood parameters and post-surgery complications in hypospadias patients?
  3. Can the levels of white blood cells and neutrophils predict the likelihood of complications after hypospadias surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing hypospadias repair to ensure they have optimal white blood cell levels and neutrophil levels before the surgery to reduce the risk of complications. They may recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest to support their immune system and blood cell levels. Additionally, they may advise the patient to follow any pre-operative instructions given by the surgeon to help ensure a successful outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hypospadias repair are infants or young boys who have been diagnosed with the condition. In some cases, older children or adults may also undergo surgery to correct hypospadias. The decision to recommend surgery is usually based on the severity of the condition and the potential impact on the patient’s quality of life. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to improve urinary function, sexual function, and overall appearance of the genitalia.

Timeline

  • Before hypospadias repair:
  1. Diagnosis of hypospadias in infancy or childhood
  2. Consultation with a pediatric urologist or surgeon to discuss treatment options
  3. Pre-operative evaluations including blood tests, urine tests, and possibly imaging studies
  4. Discussion of surgical plan and potential risks and complications with the patient and their family
  • After hypospadias repair:
  1. Surgery to correct the position of the urethral opening
  2. Post-operative care including monitoring for complications such as infection, bleeding, or urethral stricture
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to assess healing and address any concerns
  4. Long-term follow-up to monitor for potential issues with urinary function or cosmetic appearance

Overall, the timeline for a patient with hypospadias includes a period of evaluation and preparation before surgery, followed by a period of recovery and monitoring after surgery. The study mentioned above suggests that certain blood parameters may help predict which patients are at higher risk for complications following hypospadias repair.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential complications of hypospadias repair surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of hypospadias repair surgery?
  3. How experienced is the surgeon in performing hypospadias repair surgery?
  4. What is the expected recovery time after hypospadias repair surgery?
  5. Are there any long-term effects or risks associated with hypospadias repair surgery?
  6. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgeries or treatments in the future?
  7. Will there be a need for follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  8. Are there any specific pre-operative or post-operative instructions I should follow?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after hypospadias repair surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options or techniques available for hypospadias repair?

Reference

Authors: Karagözlü Akgül A, Abidoğlu S, Bakır AC, Adalı E, Kıyan G, Tuğtepe H. Journal: Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2022 Dec 27;94(4):459-463. doi: 10.4081/aiua.2022.4.459. PMID: 36576470