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PEDIATRIC SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Hypospadias

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How is Hypospadias Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

Hypospadias is typically diagnosed soon after birth, during a newborn’s first physical exam. Once detected, a pediatrician will refer you to a pediatric urologist to discuss treatment options. 

In cases of severe hypospadias, an excretory program test may be performed. This involves an X-ray of the urinary tract to detect other congenital abnormalities of the kidneys or the tubes (ureters) that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

How is Hypospadias Treated?

Treatment

Hypospadias treatments typically involve surgery, usually performed at 6 to 12 months. Hypospadias surgery can reposition the urethral opening and, if necessary, straighten the shaft of the penis. Minor cases of hypospadias do not require surgery.

Surgery

Hypospadias repair aims to reposition the urethra to the tip of the penis and correct any complications of hypospadias. The general steps can include the following:

  • Straightening the shaft of the penis
  • Constructing a new urethra
  • Positioning the urethral opening at the tip of the penis
  • Reconstructing the foreskin

Infants born with hypospadias should not be circumcised, as the extra foreskin may be needed for the repair.

After Surgery

Most hypospadias surgeries can be done in a single outpatient procedure. Some forms may require more than one surgery to correct the condition completely.

After surgery, a small tube (catheter) will be placed in the urethra, and the area will be wrapped with bandages. The catheter and bandages must stay in place for a few days or up to 2 weeks. You may notice some swelling and bruising at the site.

Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to reduce infection risk, and instructions on how to bathe the baby, care for the bandages, and recognize signs of infection or other complications.

Check-Up After Surgery

Full recovery from hypospadias surgery can take a few months. You will have a couple of check-ins with the surgeon during this time. After that, it is recommended to visit a pediatric urologist when the child is old enough to start potty training and again during puberty to check for complications.

The success rate of surgeries for hypospadias is high. In most instances, the penis will heal and appear normal in shape. Your boy will be able to urinate in a straight stream while standing, and it will not affect his ability to reproduce.

FAQs

FAQs

Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital disabilities, occurring in around 1 out of 200 babies born in the United States.

Surgery for mild forms of hypospadias can take 60 to 120 minutes. For more severe forms, the surgery can take 3 hours or more.

Complete healing can take six weeks or up to two months.

The outcomes of most hypospadias repair surgeries are very successful, resulting in a normal-looking and functioning penis. The corrections generally last a lifetime.

The outcomes of most hypospadias repair surgeries are very successful, resulting in a normal-looking and functioning penis. The corrections generally last a lifetime.

A family history of hypospadias and other environmental factors can raise the risk of developing the birth defect.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Hypospadias Treatment

NewYork-Presbyterian provides quality care for all types of pediatric urologic conditions, including hypospadias. Once the signs and symptoms of hypospadias are identified, our pediatric specialists will walk you through the treatment options.

Contact NewYork-Presbyterian for expert solutions in pediatric urology.