Topical Testosterone Prior to Hypospadias Surgery – A Histological Evaluation of The Effects on Neovascularization

Abstract

Purpose Many studies have advocated the advantages of the use of androgen stimulation prior to Hypospadias surgery, with special interest in the increase in penile size, improvement of cosmetic results and reduction of complications. Herein, we demonstrate the histological effects of testosterone in neovascularization. Material and Methods Twenty-six boys (4 to 120 months old) were divided at random into two groups prior to hipospadias correction. Group 1 (G1) did not receive any treatment while the boys in group 2 (G2) used 1% propionate of testosterone cream on the penis twice a day for 30 days prior to surgery. During surgery a fragment of the prepuce was taken and sent to histological evaluation. The number and volume density of the blood vessels were obtained using von Willebrand factor. Results Both groups were similar according to age and Hypospadias classification. Testosterone-treated foreskins (G2) had an increased absolute numbers of blood vessels (8.5 ± 1.3 vessels/field) when compared with untreated prepuce (G1) (4,8 ± 1,8 vasos/campo) (p Conclusions The use of 1% testosterone propionate cream on the penis prior to Hypospadias surgery induces neovascularization, in absolute numbers and volume density. This data objectively proves the subjective finds of better vascularization after androgen stimulation prior to Hypospadias correction.