HYPOSPADIAS

In this condition, the opening of the urinary passage is on the under surface of the penis. Besides, there is usually a downward bending or curvature of the penis. In severe degrees of hypospadias, the opening of the urethra may be at the junction of the penis and scrotum, or even further backwards, on the scrotum or in front of the anus. In such cases, the scrotum may be divided by a deep cleft into two parts (bifid scrotum). If, in addition, one or both the testes are missing from the scrotum, the surgeon will have to determine the sex of the child as it may be an ‘intersex’ condition.

TREATMENT: Hypospadias can be corrected surgically, either in a single surgery or in 2 stages, depending on the surgeon. An average hospital stay of 10 days is necessary. The ideal age for surgery is between 8 and 18 months.

Circumcision should be categorically avoided in babies with hypospadias as the excess foreskin heaped on the penis is used to construct the deficient urethra.

All the procedures should be completed before the child starts attending school.

11 February, 2013