Hypospadias Surgery Research Articles

Use of platelet-rich fibrin in hypospadias surgery

Use of platelet-rich fibrin in hypospadias surgery

Comparing Postoperative Analgesia of Caudal and Penile Blockade using Bupivacaine in Children Undergoing Hypospadias Repair

Background & Objectives: Caudal epidural and dorsal nerve penile blockade are commonly used for analgesia during and after hypospadias repair in children. Comparative studies to recommend the most effective block are in dearth. This study aims to compare penile block versus caudal block with bupivacaine for hypospadias repair in children in terms of post-operative effectiveness, pain management, and complications. Methodology: The study was conducted on 60 male children, aged 1-9 years, undergoing hypospadias surgery under general anesthesia. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: (A: caudal block, n=30, and B: penile block, n=30). A postoperative pain assessment was conducted using FLACC scale until 24 hours post-surgery. Results: The patients from the A and B groups were comparable in age, weight, and ASA classification. All patients in the 2 groups did not feel pain post-operatively throughout the first 6 hours. One patient (3.4%) from each of the A and B groups started to feel pain 6 hours, and 9 hours, respectively after surgery. Eight patients (26.7%) in group A and 6 patients (20%) in group B felt pain throughout 6 to 24 hours after surgery. Four patients from group A and 1 patient from group B developed nausea and vomiting during the first 24 hours post-surgery. Conclusion: The penile blockade proved to be more effective in lowering postoperative pain scores, with fewer side effects, thereby decreasing the need for rescue analgesia.

Is there a role for caudal anesthesia on postoperative urethrocutaneous fistula in children undergoing hypospadias surgery?

Objective: Hypospadias is defined as incomplete closure of the penile structures during embryogenesis. Surgical correction induces various complications, including urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF). The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for the occurrence of UCF in children undergoing hypospadias repair under caudal anesthesia. Method: The medical records of children undergoing hypospadias repair between January 2013 and July 2018 were included. Data on patients’ age, body weight, height, type of repair procedure, type of hypospadias, duration of surgery, and hospitalization, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: The mean age of the 122 patients was 4.8±3.7 years. The type of surgery performed was tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (Snodgrass) in 90 (73.8%) and meatal advancement and glanuloplasty (MAGPI) in 32 (26.2%) children. Sixteen (13.1%) children had postoperative complications, all of which were UCF. No statistical association was found between postoperative UCF and patient variables. The most common complication of hypospadias repair is UCF, which occurs mostly in the immediate postoperative period. Conclusion: Hypospadias repair can result in complications. UCF remains a significant problem in the postoperative period. All patients underwent caudal block and despite the previous literature, we experienced lower rates of penile engorgement and postoperative UCF. These results showed that there was no cause-and-effect relationship between the caudal block and UCF. We think that the development of a urethrocutaneous fistula is mostly related to surgical causes and well-designed, prospective, and controlled studies are required to elucidate this issue.

Glanüler tip megameatus intakt sünnet derisi olan olgularda tedavi ne olmalıdır?

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the treatment options in patients with glanular type megameatus intact foreskin. MATERIAL and METHODS: Between 2011 and 2021, more than 5000 circumcision procedures were performed in our clinic. The treatment options of 70 cases with glanular type megameatus, which we encountered incidentally when the foreskin was retracted during the circumcision procedure and sometimes we did not know exactly what to do at that moment, were found to be treated retrospectively. Glans approximation procedure (GAP) was applied to 14 of 24 patients who accepted hypospadias surgery. Meatal advancement and glanuloplasty procedure (MAGPI) was performed in 10 of them. The mean age, duration of surgery and surgical intervention results of the cases were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients who underwent the GAP procedure was 4.7±1.9, and the duration of surgery was 59.1±6.3 minutes. Urethral stenosis was seen in 1 of 14 cases and urethral fistula complication was observed in 1 of them. The mean age of the patients who underwent the MAGPI procedure was 4.3±1.4, and the duration of surgery was 64.3±3.03 minutes. Urethral stenosis was seen in 1 of 10 cases and unsuccessful surgical complication was observed in 1 of them. Complications developed in 4 (16.66%) of 24 patients. 4 patients underwent re-operation. There was no significant difference in the mean age, duration of surgery and complication rates between the two techniques. CONCLUSION: Intact foreskin conceals clinical findings and megameatus can usually be detected at circumcision attempt. Although the surgery for the glanular type, which is the mildest form of megameatus, is controversial, satisfactory results can be obtained with the appropriate surgical method. In addition, detailed interviews should be made with families before surgery and it should be explained that the operation is controversial. Keywords: glanular, hypospadias, intact foreskin, megameatus

Do preoperative leukocyte and neutrophil levels have a predictive value on the complications of hypospadias repair in children?

Surgeons observed that the outcomes after the same repair technique in the same type of hypospadias performed by the same surgeon may be different. There may be some indeterminate factors that influence the results such as subclinical inflammation. Our study evaluated the predictor values of inflammatory hematologic parameters on the complications after hypospadias repair. We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients who underwent hypospadias repair between January 2016 and January 2019 in our clinic. Age at surgery, hypospadias type, repair technique, complications were recorded. Patients who underwent Snodgrass repair by a single surgeon were included in the study while patients who underwent different techniques or procedures that were performed by other surgeons were excluded. The levels of white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet and monocyte, the mean platelet volumes were recorded from blood test that were performed one day before surgery. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), plateletlymphocyte ratio (PLR), and other parameters were analyzed to determine their relationship with complications after hypospadias surgery. WBC and neutrophil levels were statistically higher in patients with complications (p = 0.006 and 0.017 respectively). Other hematological parameters were not different between patients with or without complications. To predict the complications, the WBC cutoff was 9500/mm3, the neutrophil cutoff was 3000/mm3. WBC and neutrophil values were statistically significant in predicting the complications after Snodgrass repair in patients with hypospadias. Our result determined no relation between complications and NLR, PLR.

Parenteral testosterone therapy’s effect on penile size before hypospadias surgery

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to see the effect of parenteral testosterone injection on penile length, glans diameter, and diameter at the base of the penis in hypospadias patients before surgery. Material and Methods: The study was conducted from September 2019 to March 2021. This study comprised a total of 20 hypospadias patients. At a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight, an injection testosterone propionate was administered deep intramuscularly in three doses with a 3-week gap before reconstructive surgery. Before surgery, the penile length, glans diameter, and penile diameter at the base of the penis were all measured. Results: The mean increase in penile length, glans diameter, and diameter at the base of penis following parenteral testosterone therapy was 1.07 ± 0.23 cm (P < 0.001), 1.01 ± 0.46 cm (P < 0.001), and 0.92 ± 0.12 cm (P < 0.001), respectively. All three measurements were statistically significant. Conclusion: Intramuscular testosterone increased penis size, glans diameter, and penile diameter without causing any notable side effects. Development of fine pubic hair, acne, and aggressiveness is minor adverse effects.

Trends of Hypospadias Surgery Amongst Pediatric Surgeons at Resource-Limited Rural & District Hospitals in Maharashtra State: An Online Survey

Trends of Hypospadias Surgery Amongst Pediatric Surgeons at Resource-Limited Rural & District Hospitals in Maharashtra State: An Online Survey

Fasciocutaneous foreskin twin flaps in hypospadias repair: Reconstructing a functional penis with freestyle design

Hypospadias is the most common congenital urological deformity in males; however, there is still no perfect solution or surgical method for one-stage operations to fix proximal hypospadias with ventral penile curvature (VPC). We developed a fasciocutaneous foreskin twin flap technique that can provide freestyle flap designs in hypospadias repair. A retrospective study including 26 patients was performed between January 2017 and June 2020. The surgical procedures included VPC correction, skin flap design, transfer and reconstruction. The urethra and shaft were reconstructed by twin flaps in one stage. All patients were followed up until 12 months. All VPC cases were corrected after the operation. The fistula rate was 11.5% (3/26). No meatal stenosis, urethral diverticulum, or stricture was observed. A total of 92.3% (24/26) of patients were satisfied with their penis appearance. The fasciocutaneous foreskin twin flaps provide freestyle designs in hypospadias repair, which can achieve a one-stage operation for proximal hypospadias with low fistula rates.

Glans Diameter and Meatus Localization Are the Sole Predictors of Primary Distal Hypospadias Surgery Complications: A Multivariate Analysis of Single Surgeon Series

Introduction: Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) surgery is among the most successful techniques for distal hypospadias. Our objective was the investigation of complication rates and their predictors.Methods: Between 2010 and 2021, 150 patients with distal hypospadias were operated on consecutively by a single surgeon using the TIPU technique. The primary outcome was the complication rates including fistula, meatal stenosis, and glans dehiscence. Secondary outcomes were predictor factors of complications.Results: The average glans diameter was 13.9 ± 0.10 mm and 57.0% of the patients had a glans diameter greater than 14 mm. Single-layer and double-layer urethroplasty were used in 55.3% (n = 83) and 44.7% (n = 67) of patients, respectively. Overall complication rate was 23.3% (n = 35), which included fistula (3.3%, n = 5), glans dehiscence (12.7%, n = 19), and meatal stenosis (8.6%, n = 13). Glandular meatus localization (OR = 58.8, p = 0.001) and smaller glans diameter (OR = 0.39, p = 0.001) were significant predictors in the multivariate analysis of overall complications. For fistula complications, only short operation time (OR = 0.83, p = 0.03) was found as a significant predictor. Glans width (<14 mm) was the only significant predictor of both glans dehiscence (OR = 3.4, p = 0.03) and stenosis (OR = 5.67, p = 0.013) complication.Conclusion: TIPU technique for distal hypospadias has notable success and acceptable complication rates. Dartos augmented single-layer urethral closure seems adequate for complication prevention. Preoperative assessment of the glans width and meatus site is advised to predict complication rates.

Patient information video: How to take care of your child after hypospadias surgery?

Patient/parent education and participation helps improve post-operative care. Dressing and catheter care after hypospadias surgery varies widely and young parents are keen to use available media when seeking for help, especially if surgery is done in an outpatient setting. An information video about post-operative care after hypospadias is made available through a tertiary referral hospital's website. Hypospadias surgery is an outpatient surgery in our setting. A double diaper system is used to prevent contamination of the urinary catheter and penile bandage with stools. A video explaining how the dressing works was made, helping parents maintaining the dressing and thereby solving possible questions/problems about dressing or medications while at home. Warning signs and symptoms are mentioned in which case parents should contact the urologist: fever, continuous blood loss and lack of urinary output. An information folder summarizing the latter, including a link to the video is given to all parents pre-operatively, providing reassurance according to parents' feedback. Parent participation can help improve post-operative care, especially in outpatient clinic setting. This video helps parents through post-operative care after hypospadias surgery. Its availability through informative folders and hospital's website is destined to educate and reassure parents.

To Compare the Outcomes of Dorsal Dartos Flap, Tunica Vaginalis Flap and Durham Smith De-Epithelialized Dartos Based Flap as Secondary Interposition Cover after Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty in Reducing Post-Operative Complications

Interposition flaps are mainstay in the success of hypospadias surgery because they lead to decrease in complications of hypospadias repair significantly especially urethrocutaneous fistula by buttressing the neo urethral suture line. Many interposition flaps have been tried with varying outcome results. Most commonly used interposition flaps are Tunica vaginalis flap and dorsal dartos flap however, recently interest have also researched in Durham smith de-epithelialized dartos based overlay flap. Though there are many publications comparing outcome of dorsal dartos and tunica vaginalis flap but hardly any study that has compared all three interposition flaps. So, we aimed to compare the outcomes of dorsal dartos flap (DF), tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) and Durham smith de-epithelialized dartos based overlay flap as interposition layer in TIP urethroplasty. Aim: To compare the outcomes of dorsal dartos flap (DF), tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) and Durham smith de-epithelialized dartos based flap as secondary interposition cover after Tubularized incised plate urethroplastyin reducing post-operative complication. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in which case records of 78 patients who had undergone repair for distal and midpenile hypospadias with minimal chordee and favorable anatomy by the Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with interposition flap over 2 years (2017-2019) were reviewed. Patients were divided in three groups with 26 subjects in each group. Group A consisted of patients with dorsal dartos interposition flap, Group B comprised of patients with Tunica vaginalis interposition flap and Group C consisted of patients with Durham smith deepithelialized dartos based overlay cover. Outcome variables noted were the complications including wound dehiscence, Urethrocutaneous fistula, Meatal stenosis, Penile torsion, skin necrosis and preputial edema. Statistical methods were applied to compare these complications in all three groups.

To Compare the Outcomes of Dartos Flap and Tunica Vaginalis Flap as Secondary Cover after Second Stage Durham Smith Repair in Reducing Post-Operative Complications

Background: Interposition flaps are mainstay in the success of hypospadias surgery because they lead to decrease in complications of hypospadias repair significantly especially urethrocutaneous fistula by buttressing the neo urethral suture line. Many interposition flaps have been tried with varying outcome results. Most commonly used interposition flaps are Tunica vaginalis flap and dorsal dartos flap however, recently interest have also researched in Durham smith de-epithelialized dartos based overlay flap. Though there are many publications comparing outcome of dorsal dartos and tunica vaginalis flap but hardly any study that has compared all three interposition flaps. So, we aimed to compare the outcomes of dorsal dartos flap (DF), tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) and Durham smith de-epithelialized dartos based overlay flap as interposition layer in TIP urethroplasty. Aim: To compare the outcomes of dorsal dartos flap (DF), tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) and Durham smith de-epithelialized dartos based flap as secondary interposition cover after Tubularized incised plate urethroplastyin reducing post-operative complication. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in which case records of 78 patients who had undergone repair for distal and midpenile hypospadias with minimal chordee and favorable anatomy by the Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with interposition flap over 2 years (2017-2019) were reviewed. Patients were divided in three groups with 26 subjects in each group. Group A consisted of patients with dorsal dartos interposition flap, Group B comprised of patients with Tunica vaginalis interposition flap and Group C consisted of patients with Durham smith deepithelialized dartos based overlay cover. Outcome variables noted were the complications including wound dehiscence, Urethrocutaneous fistula, Meatal stenosis, Penile torsion, skin necrosis and preputial edema. Statistical methods were applied to compare these complications in all three groups. Results: Total number of complications in group A were 11(42.3%) and most common complications were skin necrosis (n=7, 26.9%) and urethrocutaneous fistula (n=6, 23.1%). Total number of complications in group B were 7(26.9%) while Chordee and preputial edema (n=6, 23.1% each) were among the most common complications. 9(34.6%) patients developed complications in group C and most common complications were penile torsion (n=6, 23.1%) and urethrocutaneous fistula (n=4, 15.4%). Conclusion: We have seen in our study that TV flap is a good option as second cover with lesser complications especially in terms of fistula related complications while Durham smith onlay cover found to be equally better option as it showed no skin complications and other complications were almost comparable to TV flap cover.

SINGLE STAGE HYPOSPADIAS REPAIR IN PRIMARY CASES AND THEIR PATIENT RELATED OUTCOMES – TERTIARY CARE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Objective: This study aims to study whether hypospadias repair in primary cases can be done in a single stage. We present patients’ perspective and their outcomes in 268 primary hypospadias cases among which around 90% of patients (n=240) had their hypospadias surgery after recommended age of repair (18 months). All primary cases were managed in a single stage. Material &amp; Methods: From January 2010 – December 2019, 377 patients were included and outcomes were documented. Patients with prior hypospadias with complications (n=48), chordee without hypospadias (n=16), isolated penile torsion (n=12), and 33 patients who were lost to follow-up were excluded. The age at surgery, location of the meatus, chordee, associated anomalies, techniques used for correction, postoperative complications with overall success rate and patient related outcomes were evaluated. Results: After orthoplasty, distal hypospadias was seen in 59% (n=158), middle in 22.8 % (n=61) &amp; proximal in 13.1% (n=35) patients. Fourteen patients (5.2%) had penoscrotal transposition. Chordee was present in 71.2% (n=192) cases. Urethral closure was done using TIP alone in 18 cases, TIP, and spongioplasty (n=233). The success rate of one-stage surgery was 73.5% in our series which correlated with PRO with high significance. Conclusion: The rate of complications increased with the length of urethral tube reconstruction. Hypospadias fistula was the most common, followed by glanular dehiscence. The use of the TIP in primary repairs, spongioplasty &amp; additional buffering layers reduced the complication rates. Patients can have acceptable residual chordee and torsion and their surgical results correlated well with patient related outcomes(PRO).

EEG-Parameter-Guided Anesthesia for Prevention of Emergence Delirium in Children.

Background: Emergence delirium (ED) usually occurs in children after surgery with an incidence of 10−80%. Though ED is mostly self-limited, its potential injuries cannot be ignored. Whether electroencephalography (EEG)-parameter-guided anesthesia could reduce the incidence of ED in pediatric surgery has not been fully discussed to date. Methods: Fifty-four boys aged 2–12 years undergoing elective hypospadias surgery under sevoflurane anesthesia were selected. In the EEG-parameter-guided group (E group), sevoflurane was used for anesthesia induction and was maintained by titrating the spectral edge frequency (SEF) to 10–15 and combining the monitoring of density spectral array (DSA) power spectra and raw EEG. While in the control group (C group), anesthesiologists were blinded to the SedLine screen (including SEF, DSA, and raw EEG) and adjusted the intraoperative drug usage according to their experience. Patients with a Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) score > 10 were diagnosed with ED, while patients with a PAED score > 2 were diagnosed with emergence agitation (EA). Results: Finally, a total of 37 patients were included in this trial. The incidence of ED in the E group was lower than in the C group (5.6% vs. 36.8%; p = 0.04), while the incidence of EA was similar in the two groups (61% vs. 78.9%; p = 0.48). Intraoperative parameters including remifentanil dosage and the decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) were not different between the two groups (p > 0.05), but the mean end-tidal sevoflurane concentration (EtSevo) was lower in the E group than in the C group (p > 0.05). Moreover, during PACU stay, the extubation time and discharge time of the groups were similar, while the PAED scores within 5 min from extubation and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scores within 30 min from extubation were lower in the E group than in the C group. Conclusion: EEG-parameter-guided anesthesia management reduced the incidence of ED in children. Studies with larger sample sizes are needed to obtain more convincing results.

Efficacy of urethral reconstruction for urethral stricture associated with hypospadias surgery in adults.

We report our experience with urethral reconstruction for hypospadias surgery-related urethral stricture in terms of surgical and patient-reported outcomes. Twenty-nine adult males who underwent urethral reconstruction for hypospadias surgery-related urethral stricture between August 2008 and January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Uroflowmetry and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months, and annually thereafter. Surgical success was defined as the absence of additional procedures. Patients were asked to rate their satisfaction with urethral reconstruction as "very satisfied", "satisfied", "unsatisfied", or "very unsatisfied". The median patient age at referral was 43 years. The median number of previously performed hypospadias surgeries was three, and 18 patients (62.8%) had been treated with repeated transurethral procedures. The median stricture length was 54 mm (interquartile range 36-81). Performed urethral reconstruction included staged urethroplasty in 22 (75.9%), one-stage onlay augmentation in 3 (10.2%), and perineal urethrostomy in 4 (13.8%) cases. Urethral reconstruction was successful in 26 patients (89.7%) over a median postoperative period of 31 months. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed in 25 (86.2%) patients. The mean maximum flow rate, international prostate symptom score total score, international prostate symptom score quality of life score, and EuroQol-5 dimensions index significantly improved postoperatively. Twenty-three patients (92%) were "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the outcome of their urethral reconstruction. Urethral reconstruction is a highly successful and patient-satisfying treatment for hypospadias surgery-related urethral stricture in adult patients. Perineal urethrostomy is a reasonable alternative for elderly patients and for patients with complicated hypospadias surgery-related urethral strictures.

Being born small for gestational age (SGA) might be associated with a higher reoperation rate in proximal hypospadias

Being born small for gestational age (SGA) is associated with a higher frequency and more severe forms of hypospadias as well as with potential developmental differences. This study aims to characterize operative outcomes in SGA boys compared to boys born with normal weight and length for gestational age (appropriate/large for gestational age, AGA/LGA). Demographic data, hypospadias characteristics, associated pathologies and operative outcomes of boys who underwent hypospadias repair at a single center (10/2012-10/2019) were evaluated. Boys were categorized into SGA and non-SGA, which were then compared using unpaired t-tests and chi square tests. To examine the effect of SGA on reoperative risk, a logistic regression model was applied integrating surgical technique, meatal localization and complex hypospadias (narrow glans/plate, curvature, micropenis, bilateral cryptorchidism). SGA boys accounted for 13.7% (n=80) of the total cohort (n=584) and 33% of all proximal hypospadias (n=99, SGA vs. non-SGA 41.3% vs. 13%, p<0.001). After a mean follow-up of 18.6 months the reoperation rate for all hypospadias was 17.9% (n=105). In distal hypospadias there was no difference in reoperation rate between SGA and AGA/LGA boys (p=0.548, multivariate regression model). For each meatal localization in proximal hypospadias SGA was a significant, independent factor predicting higher reoperation rates (p=0.019, OR 3.21) in a logistic regression model (Figure ROC). Hypospadias surgery carries a substantial risk for unplanned reinterventions. Apart from meatal localization, there are only a few factors (urethral plate quality, glandular diameter, curvature) reported in literature to be associated with reoperative risk. Intrauterine growth retardation associated with SGA might lead to not only a higher probability of proximal hypospadias but also contribute to a higher risk for complications mediated by developmental differences. Whether these findings could help to tailor surgical strategies or adjuvant measures, as for example the application of preoperative hormonal stimulation remains to be determined in future studies. This study is limited by being a single-center series with limited follow-up resulting in some complications probably not yet detected - however, in the same extent in both groups. Based on this study, 33% of all proximal hypospadias cases occur in boys born SGA. While the reoperation rate in boys with distal hypospadias was not influenced by SGA status, SGA proved to be an independent predictor of a higher risk of reoperation in those with proximal hypospadias. After validation of these findings in other centers, this could be integrated into counseling and risk-stratification.

Acquired Penile Epidermoid Cysts in Children.

BackgroundIn this study, we aim to present the experience of a tertiary center regarding penile epidermoid cysts over 15 years.MethodologyPatient files of those who underwent surgical excision for penile epidermoid cysts between 2005 and 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. The demographics, clinical characteristics, etiological factors, cyst features, surgical techniques, complications, and follow-up data were analyzed.ResultsIn total, 24 penile epidermoid cysts were excised in 21 boys. The median age at the time of surgery was 52 (15-204) months. The median duration between previous surgery and cyst excision was 40 (1-180) months. In total, 11 cases had a history of circumcision, and 10 had undergone hypospadias surgery. There was no significant difference between these two etiologic groups (p > 0.05). The main symptom was an asymptomatic penile mass. The average cyst size was 9.4 ± 6.7 mm. All cysts were completely excised with incisions made over old scars, except one. No complications were observed during a median follow-up period of 50 (12-120) months, and only one recurrence was noted.ConclusionsAcquired penile epidermoid cysts may present as an early or late complication after penile surgery. Complete excision with an incision along the existing scars seems to be an effective solution for preventing new scars.

Operative techniques and long-term outcomes of hypospadias repair in the absence of preputial skin after neonatal circumcision

PurposeTo present the results of hypospadias repair in the absence of preputial skin following neonatal circumcision, and the analyses of surgical techniques and predictors of procedural success. MethodsRecords of all children who underwent hypospadias repair between 10/1999 and 12/2018 were retrospectively reviewed. All of those who underwent neonatal circumcision prior to surgery were included. Patients with any prior penile reconstruction surgery and those with the megameatus intact prepuce variant were excluded. The primary endpoint was the need for reoperation. ResultsA total of 69 patients with a history of neonatal circumcision underwent surgical reconstruction of hypospadias during the study period. Their mean age at surgery was 14 months (interquartile range [IQR] 9,22). Forty-five cases (65%) involved distal hypospadias, and ventral curvature was present in 24 (35%). Dartos flaps were harvested from the dorsal aspect in 37/58 (64%) patients and from the ventral aspect in 21/58 (36%). Twenty-two patients (22/69, 32%) required reoperation after a median follow-up of 9 years (IQR 6,13). Indications for revision surgery included urethral fistula (n = 16, 22%), meatal stenosis (n = 5, 7%), and skin redundancy (n = 1). Ventral curvature (odds ratio [OR] 3.5, p = 0.02) and higher grades of hypospadias. (OR 3.3, p = 0.03) had a higher probability of reoperation (univariate logistic regression). ConclusionHypospadias repair following neonatal circumcision in the absence of preputial skin is a challenging reconstruction. The reoperation rate in our cohort was 30%, similar to reoperative hypospadias surgery. Parents of newborns diagnosed with hypospadias should be encouraged to refrain from pre surgical neonatal circumcision. Level of evidenceTreatment study, level IV

Defining the role of pre-operative hormonal therapy in hypospadias.

In hypospadias surgery, pre‐operative hormonal therapy (PHT) is primarily used to increase penile dimensions and the vascularity of tissues available for reconstruction, but its use is non‐uniform in clinical practice, with no consensus on application or utility. This review aims to summarise: (i) the penile tissue response to hormone therapy, (ii) its impact on hypospadias surgery outcomes, and (iii) the endocrinological considerations and sequelae. PHT is more often indicated for complex cases such as proximal hypospadias, hypospadias with microphallus and hypospadias reoperations. While PHT has clear effects on penile morphometry, and more recent controlled trials suggest improved surgical outcomes, the lack of consistent outcome definitions and generally inadequate follow‐up periods continue to consign many of the potential long‐term effects of PHT to the unknown. There is currently insufficient robust evidence to allow a clinical guideline to be constructed. The need for a well‐powered multi‐centre prospective randomised trial to address this question is evident but awaits a unified consensus on issues surrounding the understanding of aetiology, classification of hypospadias morphology, definition of important prognostic variables and uniform application of outcome measures. The effects of PHT may be utilised to improve outcomes in cases of proximal and severe hypospadias, which under the current paradigm represent a significant surgical challenge.

Exploring the Benefits of Preoperative Androgen Stimulation in Hypospadias Surgery: A Histological Analysis of Neovascularization

Abstract Introduction: The administration of androgens prior to hypospadias surgery is recommended to enhance penile growth, improve neovascularization, and facilitate surgical correction, leading to improved cosmetic results. This study aimed to investigate the histological differences in neovascularization between hypospadiac patients who received preoperative testosterone and those who did not. Materials and Methods: A total of 33 boys aged 1–5½ years with anterior, medial, posterior penile or scrotal hypospadias were included in the study. Eighteen patients (Group A) received testosterone at a dosage of 25 mg intramuscularly every 4 weeks for 2–4 doses, with a maximum dose of 100 mg, as directed by an endocrinologist. Fifteen patients (control Group B) underwent hypospadias repair without androgen stimulation. During surgery, tissue samples were obtained from the prepuce and urethral plate (if possible). The samples were stained using immunohistochemical methods with anti-CD31 and anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) antibodies. The number of microvessels with CD31 index and the intensity of VEGF expression in vessels, positive cells, and stroma were evaluated. Results: The microvessel count with CD31 index and the expression of VEGF in vessels and positive cells were significantly higher in hypospadiac patients who received preoperative testosterone compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that preoperative testosterone administration may enhance neovascularization in hypospadiac patients and should be considered in preoperative treatments, especially when using prepucial flaps. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of vascularity in surgical repair and to validate these findings.