Hypospadias is a congenital disability it is present from the time of birth. This condition is common in some families and in babies that are born under 37 weeks of pregnancy. In boys born with hypospadias, the urethra is not located at the tip of the penis as it usually should be. But instead, it is located underside of the penis, anywhere from the head to the scrotum. Surgical repair is an effective treatment option for hypospadias in the majority of cases.
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Types of the hypospadias
There are different types of hypospadias based on the location of the urethra opening. The severity of this condition also depends on the location of the urethral opening.
Different types of hypospadias are:
- Distal hypospadias
If the opening of the urethra is near the tip of the penis, it is known as distal or anterior hypospadias.
- Proximal hypospadias
In proximal hypospadias, the opening of the urethra is present on the penis shaft or the mid-section of the penis.
- Perineal hypospadias
In this type of hypospadias, the opening of the urethra is located on the base of the penis, where the scrotum meets.
Common problems associated with hypospadias
Urethra is a crucial part of both the urinary and reproductive systems. It causes many issues when not present in the usual place at the tip of the penis. Some common health issues associated with these conditions are:
- Abnormal urinary stream and flow
- Chordee
- Decreased length of the penis
- Difficulty or pain with erection
- Infertility requiring treatment
- Abnormal foreskin
- Undescended testes
Causes of hypospadias
Hypospadias is congenital. With the development of the urethra in a male fetus, some hormones stimulate the formation of the urethra and foreskin. Hypospadias occur because of the malfunction in the action of these hormones, which results in abnormal development of the urethra.
Moreover, in most cases of hypospadias, the exact cause is not known. However, sometimes hypospadias is genetic, and the environment also may play a role.
Risk factors associated with hypospadias
Although the cause is unknown, some factors may be associated with hypospadias, such as,
- Family history of the patient
Hypospadias is more common in boys with a family history of this condition.
- Genetic factor
Specific gene variation may play a role in the malfunction of the hormones that stimulate the formation of genitals in males.
- Age of the mother
Some research studies show that there may be an increased risk of hypospadias in baby boys born to mothers older than 35.
- Mother’s exposure to certain substances during pregnancy
Some studies speculate that there is an association between the exposure of mothers to certain substances and hypospadias. These compounds include pesticides and other industrial chemicals. However, further research is required to confirmation of this speculation.
Can hypospadias correct on their own?
Hypospadias cannot resolve by itself. Surgery is an effective treatment option for hypospadias. However, mild hypospadias may not always need surgical treatment. The need for surgery in hypospadias depends on the following:
- Symptoms of hypospadias
- Age of the baby
- Health condition of the baby
- Severity of hypospadias
Hypospadias Treatment
Hypospadias cannot resolve on its own, and it is also not a condition that a baby boy will grow out of. An effective treatment can resolve this condition. So, the most effective treatment option for hypospadias is genital surgery.
Hypospadias surgery
In most cases, patients with hypospadias need corrective surgery for the normal function of the penis and its appearance. The aim of the surgery is a regular urinary stream and flow.
During the surgery of hypospadias, the surgeons straighten the penis and correct the positioning of the urethra in its proper place, that is, at the tip of the penis. This surgery is usually performed on boys between 6 to 24 months of age when the growth of the penis is minimal. Hypospadias surgery can also be performed later and even in adulthood. However, there are more chances of complications following the surgery in adults.
In severe hypospadias cases, more than one surgical procedure may be required. Hypospadias surgery is usually very successful, and patients get normal urinary and sexual functions after the surgery.
Complications after the hypospadias surgery
All surgical procedures involve some risks, however small they may be. Some complications are common to most procedures but the attendants of the baby must fully understand these before consenting to any surgery.
Common complications in the case of hypospadias surgery include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Slow healing
- Discomfort, swelling, and pain
- Narrowing of the urethra
- Abnormal appearance of the penis.
Call your surgeon immediately in case of any problem after the surgery and attend all the follow-up appointments.
Results of the surgery
In most cases, surgery is an effective treatment of hypospadias. After the surgery, in most cases, the patients have normal urinary and reproductive functions and normal-looking penis.
However, a hole or fistula may occasionally develop underneath the penis at the spot where a new urethra was created. This results in leakage of the urine. In rare cases, the wound does not heal properly. But an additional surgery can resolve all these issues.
Recovery after the hypospadias surgery
Hypospadias means that the urethra is not present in its usual position that is at the tip of the penis. Instead, the urethra is present on the underside of the penis. To repair this condition, surgeons create a new opening at the tip of the penis.
Furthermore, after the procedure, the baby’s penis may look red and swollen and red. Medicines will help the pain and swelling, and bruising goes away two to three weeks after the surgery. And also the baby may have a short tube or a catheter to keep the urethra open, which will need to stay in its place for about 10 to 14 days. Complete healing after the hypospadias surgery may take up to six weeks.
Hypospadias Surgery Cost
ALSA Pakistan offers an effective treatment option for hypospadias. We have the best hypospadias surgeon in Pakistan, who is experienced in the surgical treatment of hypospadias. Our experienced pediatric surgeon Dr Mohsin offers the best treatment. Moreover, we have advanced medical technology and skilled medical professionals who provide excellent patient results and the best care possible. Hypospadias surgery cost in Pakistan is between 200k – 250k PKR.
