Our Summary

Hypospadias is a condition often treated by children’s urologists. This condition, which often affects the appearance of the penis more than its function, can range from mild to severe. It’s crucial to understand the results after its repair, including potential complications, satisfaction levels of parents, patients, and doctors, and the impact on urinary and sexual function and overall quality of life. However, the results of studies on these outcomes vary greatly, but are still important to consider when discussing potential surgery with parents and patients.

FAQs

  1. What is hypospadias and how does it affect the appearance of the penis?
  2. What should one expect after a hypospadias repair in terms of potential complications and satisfaction levels?
  3. How can hypospadias repair impact urinary and sexual function and the overall quality of life?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hypospadias repair is to closely follow post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include keeping the surgical area clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities that could disrupt healing, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It’s also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the doctor promptly. Following these guidelines can help promote successful recovery and optimal outcomes from the surgery.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for hypospadias repair are infants and young children who have been diagnosed with the condition. The severity of hypospadias can vary, and surgery may be recommended based on factors such as the location of the urethral opening, the presence of chordee (a downward curvature of the penis), and concerns about urinary function and future sexual function.

In some cases, hypospadias repair may also be recommended for older children, adolescents, or adults who have not previously undergone surgery for the condition. It is important to consult with a pediatric urologist or other specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual patient.

Timeline

Before hypospadias repair:

  • Diagnosis of hypospadias during a physical examination of the penis
  • Consultation with a pediatric urologist to discuss treatment options and potential risks
  • Pre-operative testing to ensure the child is healthy enough for surgery
  • Surgical planning, including determining the severity of the condition and the best approach for repair
  • Education for parents on how to care for the child’s penis post-surgery

After hypospadias repair:

  • Immediate recovery period in the hospital, with monitoring for complications such as bleeding or infection
  • Follow-up appointments with the urologist to assess healing and remove any stitches
  • Ongoing care at home to prevent infection and promote healing
  • Long-term follow-up appointments to monitor for any complications or need for additional surgeries
  • Assessment of urinary and sexual function as the child grows older
  • Monitoring for any emotional or psychological effects of the condition and its treatment

Overall, the timeline for a patient with hypospadias involves a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, careful planning and execution of the surgical repair, and long-term monitoring for any potential complications or issues related to urinary and sexual function. The goal of treatment is to improve the appearance and function of the penis, as well as to ensure the overall well-being and quality of life of the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hypospadias repair surgery?
  2. What is the expected outcome of the surgery in terms of appearance and function?
  3. How long is the recovery time and what can be expected during the healing process?
  4. Will there be any long-term effects or complications from the surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available for hypospadias?
  6. How many of these surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate?
  7. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgeries in the future?
  8. How will this surgery impact my child’s urinary and sexual function in the long term?
  9. What kind of follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?
  10. Can you provide any references or resources for further information on hypospadias and its treatment options?

Reference

Authors: Winship BB, Rushton HG, Pohl HG. Journal: J Pediatr Urol. 2017 Jun;13(3):285-288. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2017.01.023. Epub 2017 Mar 15. PMID: 28351650