Defeating Hypospadias: Diagnosis, Surgery, and Types Explained
Meet Alex, a playful 7-year-old boy who loves to run around with his friends and play soccer. However, Alex has a medical condition called hypospadias that affects many boys worldwide. Hypospadias is a congenital condition where the opening of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) is not located at the tip of the penis. Instead, it’s located on the underside of the penis.
If not treated, hypospadias can lead to several complications, including difficulty urinating, erection problems, and embarrassment. However, with early diagnosis and a surgical procedure, boys like Alex can lead a normal life. This blog post will take you through the diagnosis, surgery, and types of hypospadias, using simple language and a storytelling approach that is easy to understand.
Diagnosis
Hypospadias can be diagnosed during a routine physical exam by a pediatric urologist. During the exam, the doctor will examine the penis and assess the location of the urethral opening. In some cases, the condition may be invisible to the naked eye, making it important to have a trained urologist conduct the examination.
The doctor may also do a urine test to check for any urinary tract infections or other abnormalities. The doctor may also order a blood test to check hormone levels, which could affect the development of the penis.
Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for hypospadias. The surgery involves moving the urethral opening to the tip of the penis, creating a straight stream during urination, and improving sexual function. The surgical procedure is done under general anesthesia and may take around 90 minutes to complete.
After surgery, the patient may have a catheter to help drain the bladder for a few days, and they will also need to wear a special dressing to protect the surgical site. Healing typically takes around 6-8 weeks, and the patient needs to avoid strenuous activities during this time. Regular follow-up exams with the urologist are essential to ensure that the surgical site is healing correctly and maintaining proper function.
Types of Hypospadias
There are different types of hypospadias, depending on the location of the urethral opening. This includes:
1. Distal hypospadias – where the opening is closer to the tip of the penis.
2. Midshaft hypospadias – where the opening is in the middle of the penis.
3. Proximal hypospadias – where the opening is closer to the base of the penis.
The type and severity of hypospadias may influence the surgical approach. In some cases, additional surgery may be needed.
FAQs
1. What causes hypospadias?
Hypospadias is considered a congenital condition, meaning that it’s present at birth. However, the exact cause is unknown.
2. How common is hypospadias?
Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital conditions in newborn males. It is estimated to affect 1 in every 125 newborn boys.
3. What are the risks associated with the surgical procedure?
As with any surgery, there are risks involved, including bleeding, infection, scarring, and anesthesia complications. However, the risks are relatively low, and the benefits of the surgery outweigh them.
4. Can hypospadias recur after surgery?
In rare cases, hypospadias can recur after surgery, which may require additional surgery. Regular follow-up exams with the urologist are essential to detect any recurrence early.
5. Can hypospadias affect sexual function?
Untreated hypospadias can affect sexual function. However, surgical correction can improve sexual function and prevent any future problems.
6. Is hypospadias curable?
Surgical treatment can correct hypospadias and improve the patient’s quality of life.
7. What is the success rate of hypospadias surgery?
The success rate of hypospadias surgery is high, with most patients experiencing improvement in their urinary function and sexual function.
Conclusion
Hypospadias is a common congenital condition in newborn boys that can significantly affect their quality of life. Early diagnosis and surgical correction are needed to prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes. With the right support and medical care, children like Alex can lead a happy and healthy life. If you suspect that your child has hypospadias, talk to your pediatrician or a pediatric urologist to schedule an evaluation and discuss treatment options.