Hypospadias questions answered
Hypospadias is a condition that some boys are born with, affecting the location of the urethra on the penis. Instead of the urethra opening at the tip, for hypospadias sufferers this can be anywhere in a line down under the shaft, which causes some challenging bathroom problems. According to Great Ormond Street Hospital, the number of boys born with this condition is one in every 300 boys.
How is hypospadias treated?
To treat the condition, surgeons will take skin from other areas of the penis (usually the foreskin) and use this to artificially create a ‘tube’. This given them the ability to lengthen the urethra and ensure that it reaches a new hole which will be formed by the surgeon at the tip of the penis.
How long does the operation take?
In simple cases, this is performed under a local anaesthetic and can be completed in just an hour or two. For longer, more complicated operations it is recommended that general anaesthetic is used. Most children who have this operation are able to go home later the same day so that they can recover in the comfort of their own home. Recovery is quick, and although boys who have been treated for hypospadias will feel sore and uncomfortable at first, this is usually treated with paracetamol, care and rest.
This type of operation has a good success rate, with over nine in ten boys who undergo this operation finding that it corrects the issue completely.
During the recovery process it is important to keep a close eye on the wound site and to ensure that you’re cleaning it as per your home care guidelines. There is a small risk of infection with a procedure like this, so if you suspect that an infection has occurred (fever, increased swelling, soreness, red skin around the operation site) seek medical advice quickly so that it can be treated before it becomes serious.
What to do if you suspect hypospadias
If you suspect that your son is suffering from hypospadias then book an appointment with your GP or a specialist such as Mr Alan Park, as a clinical evaluation will be required before it can be treated.
