Hypospadias

Hypospadias (Greek: hypo- = pod, spadon = cleft) is a common congenital defect of the male genital tract. As the name implies, this is a cleft urethra on the underside of the penis. The cause is an erroneous opening of the urethra on the surface of the body. In the treatment of hypospadias, surgical intervention is required.

Causes
The causes of hypospadias are not yet clear. Probably the genetic template and external factors that act on the fetus during pregnancy play a role.

Speeches
Hypospadias is manifested by the opening of the urethra on the underside of the penis, not at the tip of the penis. At the same time, cleft foreskin may occur due to lack of skin cover or ventral angulation of the penis.

Patients with hypospadias may also suffer from other birth defects, such as cryptorchidism. Hypospadias are often accompanied by urinary incontinence.

Diagnostics
It can be diagnosed in a boy very soon after birth, since the erroneous location of the urethra is noticeable at first glance. Therefore, a physical examination is sufficient for the assessment. In more severe cases, it is also diagnosed using some imaging examination methods (e.g. ultrasonography)

When making a diagnosis, the degree of defect is assessed.

Treatment
Surgical intervention is required for treatment. There are many surgical methods, as it also depends on the severity of hypospadia. Treatment can be carried out in childhood around one year. The success rate of hypospadiasis plastics is around 90%.

Complications
The most frequent complications include, for example, urethral stricture, gland dehiscence or urethrocutaneous fistula.

Links

 * Non-cancerous diseases of the penis and scrotum
 * Strictures of the urethra
 * Cryptorchism