8/12/2019 Hypospadias Patient Leaflet

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8/12/2019 Hypospadias Patient Leaflet

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How common is hypospadias and what causes it?

About 1 in 300 boys is born with some degree of hypospadias. It seems to be getting morecommon. The reason why the penis does not develop properly is still not clear. Thedevelopment of the penis whilst the baby is growing in the womb is partly dependent on themale sex hormones such as testosterone. The effects of testosterone on the growing penis

may be blocked in some way. Although it is not a genetic condition, hypospadias can run insome families.

Are any tests needed?

The diagnosis is usually obvious from examining the penis. No other tests are routine.However, a small number of people with severehypospadias (when the urethral opening isat the base of the scrotum) may have other abnormalities of the genitals. The appearance ofsevere hypospadias may be part of a rare 'intersex' syndrome. Therefore, tests of thechromosomes and scans of the genitals may be made to determine if it is part of a widersyndrome. Note: these syndromes are rare and most boys with hypospadias are truly 'male'and have no other abnormalities.

What is the treatment for hypospadias?

If the hypospadias is mild, with the opening of the urethra just a little down from normal andwith no bending of the penis, then no treatment may be needed. However, in most cases anoperation is required to correct the hypospadias. This can usually be done in one operation.However, if the hypospadias is more complicated, then two operations may be necessary.The operation is usually done when the child is around 18-24 months old.

A full discussion with a surgeon is needed to decide what can be done. The goal oftreatment is for urine to be passed in a forward way, for the penis to be straight when erectand for the penis to look as normal as possible. The position of the opening of the urethra isaltered. Also, if chordee are present then these are cut to allow the penis to straighten. Theforeskin is usually used during the operation to make the new urethra so it is important thata circumcision is not done before the corrective surgery is performed.

The success of the operation and the 'normality' that can be achieved may depend on theseverity of the hypospadias.

Further help and information

Hypospadias Support GroupWeb: www.hypospadias.co.uk

Online support for parents of children with hypospadias.

References

Hayashi Y, Kojima Y; Current concepts in hypospadias surgery. Int J Urol. 2008Aug;15(8):651-64. Epub 2008 Jun 3. [abstract]

Gatti JM, Kirsch AJ, Snyder HM.Hypospadias. eMedicine. Nov 2007.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

Disclaimer:This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.

EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctoror other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions. EMIS 2009 Reviewed: 20 Aug 2009 DocID: 4590 Version: 38

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