Hypospadias Surgery An Illustrated Guide

Hypospadias is a birth defect that affects the development of the penis. It occurs when the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, does not open at the tip of the penis. Instead, it opens on the underside of the penis.

Hypospadias can range in severity from mild to severe. In mild cases, the urethra may only open slightly below the tip of the penis. In more severe cases, the urethra may open near the base of the penis or even in the scrotum.

Hypospadias is a relatively common birth defect, affecting about 1 in every 250 baby boys. It is not usually life-threatening, but it can cause problems with urination, sexual function, and self-esteem.

Hypospadias Surgery: An Illustrated Guide

by Adolph Barr

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	41246 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	778 pages

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The exact cause of hypospadias is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the risk factors for hypospadias include:

• Having a family history of hypospadias
• Being born prematurely
• Having a low birth weight
• Being exposed to certain chemicals, such as phthalates, during pregnancy

The symptoms of hypospadias can vary depending on the severity of the defect. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• An opening in the underside of the penis
• A curved penis
• Difficulty urinating
• Spraying of urine
• Pain or discomfort during urination

Hypospadias is usually diagnosed during a physical examination. Your doctor will look at the penis and check for an opening in the urethra. They may also order an ultrasound to get a better view of the urethra.

Hypospadias is treated with surgery. The goal of surgery is to create a normal-looking penis and to allow for normal urination. Surgery is usually performed when the child is between 6 and 18 months old.

There are different types of surgery for hypospadias, depending on the severity of the defect. The most common type of surgery is called a meatal advancement and glanuloplasty (MAGPI). MAGPI involves moving the opening of the urethra to the tip of the penis and creating a new glans (the head of the penis).

Other types of surgery for hypospadias include:

• Urethral transposition: This involves moving the urethra to the top of the penis.
• Snodgrass repair: This involves creating a new urethra using a flap of tissue from the inner lining of the cheek.
• Mathieu repair: This involves creating a new urethra using a flap of tissue from the scrotum.

As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with hypospadias surgery. These risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring
• Damage to the urethra
• Loss of sensation in the penis
• Inability to have children

The success rate of hypospadias surgery is very high. Most children who have surgery are able to urinate normally and have normal sexual function. However, there is a small risk of complications, such as those listed above.

The recovery time for hypospadias surgery is typically 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, your child will need to keep the surgical area clean and dry. They will also need to avoid strenuous activity.

The long-term outlook for children with hypospadias is good. Most children who have surgery are able to lead normal, healthy lives. However, some children may experience problems with urination, sexual function, or self-esteem.

If you are concerned about your child's hypospadias, talk to your doctor. They can provide you with more information about the condition and the treatment options available.

Hypospadias Surgery: An Illustrated Guide

by Adolph Barr

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	41246 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	778 pages

FREE