HYPOSPADIAS REPAIR & URETHROPLASTY

General Information

DEFINITION--Creation of a new urethra to correct hypospadias, a congenital disorder in which the urethra opening is in an abnormal location on the penis. Surgery is usually done in infancy or early childhood.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Urethra.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Prevention of urinary-tract infections.
• Establishment of sexual function.
• Correction of abnormal urination patterns.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity.
• Poor nutrition.
• Recent or chronic illness.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Urologist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Blood studies; laboratory examination of removed tissue.

ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An incision is made over the abnormal opening of the urethra.
• An instrument is passed through the urethra and extended along its full length. Abnormal scar tissue is cut free and removed. A new urethra is fashioned from existing tissue and sewn around a catheter, which will remain in place until healing is complete.
• After healing, the catheter is removed under anesthesia.
• The skin is closed with sutures that will be absorbed by the body.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Scarring of urethra.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--2-7 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 3 months for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• A ridge should form along the incision. As it heals, the ridge will recede gradually.
• Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve incisional pain.
• Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the incision gently with mild unscented soap.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

ACTIVITY---Vigorous exercise should be avoided for 6 weeks after surgery.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• Urination is painful or difficult.
• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience nausea or vomiting.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.