Common Myths and Facts About Hypospadias Repair Surgery

Hypospadias repair surgery is usually misconceived, leading to confusion, apprehension, and delays in decision-making among the parents of affected children. This is largely due to insufficient open discussion, sexual and genital taboos in cultures, and incorrect information available on the internet or within communities. Parents may hesitate because they are concerned about long-term repercussions or difficulties because the malformation affects a delicate region of the body and usually requires surgical repair in infancy.

Unfortunately, these false beliefs may hinder prompt treatment, which is essential for the child's overall health. The outcomes of early intervention, ideally within the first six to eighteen months of life, promote faster healing, improved function, and fewer psychiatric issues as the kid grows. By dispelling the myths and providing medical facts, families are better equipped to make decisions and ensure the most profitable outcomes for their kids.

What Are Hypospadias?

In hypospadias, the urethra—the tube that transports urine and semen—through the penis and out of the body, and the foreskin—the skin that normally covers the head of the penis completely in uncircumcised individuals—do not develop properly in the baby's penis.

The urethra is initially an open tube throughout the early stages of fetal development. As a fetus grows before delivery, the channel closes to form a full tube. The hole at the end of the urethra is called the meatus. It is often seen near the tip or at the head of the penis. It is the opening from where urine and semen excreted. The meatus develops underneath the tip of the penis in a newborn with hypopadias because the urethral tube does not completely seal.

Hypospadias is congenital, meaning it persists from birth. Its severity might vary among individuals. If treatment is not done timely, complications such as trouble urinating and having sex may arise later in life.
 

When is Hypospadias Repair Surgery Recommended?

Surgery to correct hypopadias is usually advised in infancy, ideally between the ages of 6 and 18 months. The infant is more physiologically capable of recovering at this point, and surgery has less psychological effect. Early surgery also enables future sexual and urine function to develop normally, with no interpersonal challenges and consequences.

Functional problems like irregular urine flow, curvature during erection, or problems with self-esteem as the kid gets older might result from postponing treatment. Early intervention ensures that the child can grow up with self-assurance, unimpeded by the stigma or restrictions that come with untreated hypopadias. Under the supervision of a pediatric urologist or surgeon, the surgery schedule may occasionally be altered if the ailment is complicated or linked to other health issues.

How is Hypospadias Repair Surgery Performed?

A hypospadias correction surgery is often performed by pediatric urologists. After surgery, it's simple to take care of the surgical site when your kid is an infant. Additionally, giving your child general anesthetic is also a safe procedure.

Surgery can take several hours to complete and is often an outpatient procedure, so your kid will return home the same day. Healthcare professionals may need to treat hypopadias in phases, particularly if it is more severe.

You may expect following during hypospadias repair surgery:

• The penis's curvature will be adjusted and straightened.
• Reconstruction of the urethra will be done to complete the “tube.” 
• Formation of urethral opening near the tip of the penis.
• Reconstruction of the remaining penis skin and circumcision.
• Sometimes, surgeons insert a temporary Foley catheter and leave it in place to carry out urine excretion while the urethra and penis heal. 
• The catheter is removed at a follow-up appointment (one to two weeks after the surgery).
   

What is Involved in Taking Care of the Child After a Hypospadias Repair?

• Keep your child’s penis and affected areas clean to prevent infection.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before touching bandages.
• If urine or stool gets on the bandage, clean gently with warm, soapy water and pat dry.
• The stent will constantly drain urine, so change diapers more frequently.
• Sponge baths with warm water and mild soap are safe; be gentle and pat dry afterward.
• Ensure your child rests and avoids strenuous activity to promote healing.
• Infants and toddlers can resume most normal activities after 2–3 weeks.

Myths and Facts About Hypospadias Repair Surgery

Conclusion

Repairing hypopadias is a safe surgical procedure that often results in positive outcomes. A single intervention is generally necessary for severe hypopadias. Repairing hypopadias is a safe surgery that often has positive outcomes. For mild hypopadias, one operation is often necessary. Surgical intervention may be necessary for more severe hypopadias.  Advocating for your child and maintaining an open line of contact with your child's healthcare practitioner are crucial if they require a hypospadias correction surgery. It is important to express your expectations regarding the outcome. Your child's doctor can talk to you about the potential outcomes of a hypopadias correction, answer your questions, and address all of your concerns.

Get a personalized care plan for hypospadias repair surgery from expert pediatricians at Surya Hospital, the best hypospadias repair surgery hospital in Mumbai.

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FAQs

Q1: Is surgery necessary for every child with hypopadias?
A: Most of the time, surgery is advised to restore regular urination, enhance looks, and ensure healthy sexual function in later life. It might not always be necessary to treat mild forms.

Q2: How much time does the procedure take?
A: Typically, the procedure takes one to three hours, depending on its complexity.

Q3: How long does recovery take following surgery?
A: The majority of children recover in a week or two. A follow-up appointment is required to ensure appropriate recovery.