Hypospadias in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Options

Hypospadias is a congenital condition in children where the urine tube (urethra) opens on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip. This condition often results in the child urinating from the undersurface of the penis. In some cases, it may also be associated with undescended testis, where one or both testicles are absent from their respective scrotum.

What Is Hypospadias?

Hypospadias occurs due to an abnormal development of the urethra during fetal growth. It leads to the urethral opening being located on the undersurface of the penis, instead of at the tip, which can result in difficulties with urination and an atypical appearance of the penis and scrotum.

Causes of Hypospadias

Hypospadias is believed to have a multifactorial origin, involving a combination of:

• Genetic predispositions.
• Environmental factors.
• Maternal influences, such as dietary intake, exposure to certain chemicals, or other factors during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Hypospadias

The symptoms of hypospadias can vary but often include:

• Misplaced Urethral Opening (Meatus): Located on the undersurface of the penis instead of the tip.
• Urination Issues: The child urinates from the undersurface of the penis with splaying of urine.
• Abnormal Appearance: Atypical shape of the penis and scrotum.
• Associated Conditions: May include undescended testis (cryptorchidism).

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Hypospadias is usually diagnosed during a physical examination shortly after birth. Additional evaluations may be needed to assess the severity of the condition and any associated abnormalities.

Treatment Options

Hypospadias requires corrective surgery to restore normal function and appearance of the penis. The recommended treatment plan includes:

• Surgical Correction of the Urethra: Reconstructing the urine tube to the tip of the penis. This procedure is ideally performed between 6 to 18 months of age. This surgery should be performed before the child starts school.
• Management of Undescended Testis: If present, this condition also requires corrective surgery at the earliest opportunity along with the hypospadias repair.

Importance of Early Intervention

Timely surgical correction ensures better functional and cosmetic outcomes. Early treatment also helps prevent potential complications, such as difficulties with urination, splaying of urine onto the pants, peer ridicule or fertility issues later in life.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If your child has symptoms of hypospadias, consult a Pediatric Urologist for expert evaluation and treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference in the child’s quality of life.

Contact Us

For specialized care and treatment of hypospadias and associated conditions, book an appointment with Dr Prabhu Karunakaran, Consultant a Pediatric Urologist and Robotic Surgeon in Hyderabad. Visit www.drprabhukarunakaran.com for more information and personalized guidance.