Hypospadias is a shortened urethra in male newborns. In them, the urethra does not end at the tip of the penis, but at the underside of the penis. 0.5 to 0.8 percent of newborn males are affected by hypospadias.
You can find all the important information and qualified hypospadias specialists here.
Hypospadias can be divided into three different types:
Typically, foreskin splitting also occurs together with hypospadias. The foreskin does not enclose the entire glans.
The penis is often curved downwards due to the shortened urethra. In some cases, this curvature is additionally reinforced by a connective tissue-like cord.
Hypospadias is caused by a developmental disorder of the urethra during the embryonic period.
The causes and risk factors for the malformation are still largely unknown. Hypospadias occurs more frequently in some families. It can therefore be assumed that genetic factors may be responsible for its development.
In hypospadias, the male urethra is shortened. It normally ends at the tip of the glans penis © SciePro | AdobeStock
The ideal treatment is surgical correction. It should be performed by an experienced urologist or pediatric surgeon.
In the best case, such a surgical procedure is performed in early childhood (12 to 18 months). However, correction is also possible in adulthood.
The aim of the surgical correction is to move the urethral opening to the tip of the glans. This requires lengthening of the shortened urethra.
Ultimately, the operation also aims to eliminate the curvature of the penis.
The procedure is relatively complicated and should therefore be performed by an experienced urologist. It is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Depending on the individual anatomical conditions, the operation takes between one and four hours. In particularly complicated cases, the operation may take longer.
If the hypospadias is only minor, surgical correction is also possible on an outpatient basis in some cases.
Before the operation, the attending physician will inform the patient about possible risks such as
and wound infections. As with all surgical procedures under general anesthesia, there is also the usual risk of anesthesia.
Depending on the severity of the hypospadias, various surgical methods can be used. After an examination by a urologist, he or she will discuss the planned surgical method with the patient.
Due to the different surgical techniques, it is important to carry out an evaluation of the hypospadias with a specialist , as each hypospadias must be treated individually. It is also important for the treating specialist to know whether penile curvature is present. Congenital penile curvature can very often occur with hypospadias. In such cases, hypospadias surgery should be performed in combination with correction of penile curvature.
The more extensive and complicated the corrective surgery, the more
In some cases, for example, a partial reconstruction of the urethra is performed. Parts of the oral mucosa or the foreskin are used as endogenous materials for this.
In particularly pronounced cases of hypospadias, a single operation is not sufficient. Several operations are then necessary to achieve a satisfactory result.
The urinary catheter that was inserted during the operation must remain in place for between two and twelve days, depending on the extent of the hypospadias.
This is to help the newly formed urethra to heal correctly and prevent possible fistula formation.
After a successful hypospadias correction, the patient should visit their surgeon regularly for check-ups, as possible problems can occur even years after the operation (e.g. fistula and stricture formation in the urethra).
It is important to know that hypospadias should only be treated by specialists. This may be a urologist, surgeon or pediatric surgeon. However, not every specialist in pediatric surgery or urology is qualified to perform such complex operations. A corresponding specialization is necessary for this.
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