Analysis of meatal location in 1,244 healthy men. Definition of the normal site justifies the need for meatal advancement in pediatric anterior hypospadias cases.

Abstract

The normal site of the external urethral meatus on the glans penis and the need for meatal advancement in patients with anterior hypospadias was studied. The location of the external meatus was analyzed in 1,244 men (mean age 28 years) with classification of the meatal position in relation to the tip of the glans and corona. The quality of erections and sexual intercourse, the presence of a penile curvature, urinary stream, and ability to void in a standing position were assessed in an interview. In 1,198 men (96.3%) the meatus was located on the distal third of the glans, in 43 (3.5%) on the middle third, (B), and in 3 (0.2%) on the posterior third. In no case was it located below the corona. One of the 3 men with the meatus on the posterior third had an associated mild penile curvature that did not cause difficulty in sexual intercourse. This study suggests that the normal site of the external meatus is at the tip of the glans. The definition of the normal site and the percentage of men with a normal meatal position justifies the need for meatal advancement in patients with anterior hypospadias when the goals of current hypospadias surgery are considered.