Hypospadias is a congenital condition in males where the opening of the urethra is located on the underside of the penis instead of at the tip, affecting urination and sexual function.
What is Hypospadias Repair?
Hypospadias repair is a surgical procedure performed to correct a congenital condition in males called hypospadias. In hypospadias, the opening of the urethra, which carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, is located on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip. This condition can affect urination and sexual function.
Surgery is usually recommended to restore cosmesis and function, and the most common operation performed world-wide is the TIP repair, also known as the Snodgrass procedure.
Hypospadias Repair in Adults
Some men experience issues related to uncorrected hypospadias, such as having to sit to urinate because of urinary spraying or deflected stream, or embarrassment about the appearance. Other men have hypospadias surgery, but still have problems such as penile curvature/bending with erection, fistulas, urinary opening on the shaft of the penis, and hair or structures within the urinary channel causing blockage.
It is commonly believed that hypospadias operations done in adults have more complications. Some adults have been told that surgery should not move the opening to the correct location on the head of the penis, but rather to leave it lower, which can result in difficulty aiming and spraying.
A few individuals have been advised by other medical providers to avoid further surgical interventions and accept living with their existing complications. However, at PARC Urology, the experience differs significantly. According to their published data, the success rates for hypospadias repair in adults are equally impressive as their well-documented high success rates in children.
Hypospadias Repair in Newborn Boys
This surgical intervention aims to reposition the urethral opening to its natural location, allowing for proper urinary function and a more typical appearance of the penis. Typically carried out during infancy, hypospadias repair is a crucial step in ensuring that the child can grow up with improved urinary and sexual function.
The surgery is carefully tailored to the individual needs of the newborn, taking into consideration the specific severity and location of the hypospadias. Highly skilled urologists utilize various surgical techniques to achieve the desired outcome, often involving the use of local tissue grafts to reconstruct the urethra.
While hypospadias repair may seem complex, it is a well-established and successful procedure, and with early intervention and expert care, most newborns can expect to lead healthy lives without the challenges associated with untreated hypospadias.
Post-Operative Care
Care after hypospadias surgery is usually not difficult. Despite surgery on the penis, most boys have less discomfort than parents expect. Various medications including ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), narcotics and bladder spasm medications are commonly used to help.
Many patients travel to PARC Urology for hypospadias repair. Some ask about care for bandages and catheters, or what to do if problems occur when they return home.
Post-operative care after hypospadias repair includes keeping the surgical site clean, monitoring for signs of infection or complications, and administering pain relief as needed. Dressings may need regular changes. It’s important to follow the surgeon’s instructions regarding hygiene, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and optimal results.
