Hypospadias surgery is a procedure to move the urine opening to the tip of the penis, straighten the penis if it is curved, and help it function normally. The surgery is usually performed between 6 and 18 months of age under general anesthesia. Most children need only one operation and can return home the same day or after a short hospital stay. With proper care and an experienced pediatric urologist, hypospadias surgery has a high success rate.
What Is Hypospadias Surgery?
Hypospadias surgery is a corrective procedure performed on boys born with hypospadias.
In this condition, the opening of the urethra is located on the underside of the penis instead of at the tip.
Some children also have a downward bend of the penis, known as chordee, and an incomplete foreskin.
The aim of surgery is to correct these problems so the child can pass urine normally and the penis develops with a normal appearance and function.
The type of surgery depends on the severity of hypospadias. Mild cases are usually repaired in one operation, while complex cases may sometimes require more than one stage.
When Is Hypospadias Surgery Needed?
Hypospadias does not improve as a child grows.
Without treatment, some children may have difficulty passing urine while standing. In severe cases, penile curvature can also affect sexual function later in life.
For these reasons, doctors usually recommend surgery once the child reaches the appropriate age and is fit for anesthesia.
How Do Doctors Prepare for Surgery?
Before the operation, the pediatric urologist carefully examines the child.
The doctor checks the position of the urine opening, the degree of penile curvature, and the condition of the foreskin.
Parents are informed about the surgery, recovery period, possible risks, and follow-up visits.
Most healthy children do not require many tests before surgery. If the child has other medical conditions, additional investigations may be advised.
Parents are usually asked not to feed the child for a few hours before the operation because general anesthesia will be used.
Step 1: Giving General Anesthesia
The surgery begins with general anesthesia.
This means the child remains completely asleep throughout the procedure and does not feel pain.
A trained anesthesia team continuously monitors the child’s breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure during the operation.
Step 2: Examining the Penis
Once the child is asleep, the surgeon carefully examines the penis again.
This helps confirm the exact location of the urethral opening and identify the amount of penile curvature that needs correction.
The surgical plan is finalized before the repair begins.
Step 3: Straightening the Penis
If the penis is curved, the surgeon first corrects the curvature.
This step is important because a straight penis supports normal urination and healthy function later in life.
In mild cases, only a small correction is needed. More severe curvature may require advanced reconstructive techniques.
Step 4: Creating a New Urinary Channel
The next step is to create a new urethra.
The surgeon carefully reconstructs the urinary tube so that the urine opening reaches the tip of the penis.
In many children, the foreskin or nearby healthy tissue is used during this reconstruction.
This step requires precision because the new urethra should function normally and heal properly.
Step 5: Placing the New Urine Opening
After creating the new urethra, the surgeon places the urine opening at the natural position on the tip of the penis.
This helps the child pass urine in a straight stream after healing.
The appearance of the penis is also improved during this stage.
Step 6: Closing the Surgical Area
The reconstructed tissues are carefully stitched using fine absorbable stitches.
These stitches usually dissolve on their own and do not need to be removed later.
The surgeon then applies a protective dressing over the operated area.
Step 7: Placing a Catheter
A small soft tube called a catheter is usually placed inside the urethra.
The catheter allows urine to drain while the surgical repair heals.
Depending on the type of surgery, the catheter usually remains in place for several days before it is removed during a follow-up visit.
How Long Does Hypospadias Surgery Take?
The duration of surgery depends on the type of hypospadias.
Mild cases may take around one to two hours.
More complex repairs can take several hours because they require additional reconstructive work.
Your surgeon will explain the expected duration based on your child’s condition.
What Happens After Surgery?
After the procedure, the child is moved to the recovery room where the medical team monitors recovery from anesthesia.
Most children are discharged on the same day or within one or two days, depending on the complexity of the surgery.
Parents receive instructions about medicines, catheter care, dressing care, bathing, and follow-up appointments before leaving the hospital.
What Is Recovery Like?
Some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are normal during the first few days.
Pain is usually managed with medicines prescribed by the doctor.
Parents should keep the dressing clean and avoid putting pressure on the operated area.
Regular follow-up visits help the surgeon monitor healing and remove the catheter when appropriate.
Most children recover well within a few weeks.
Are There Any Risks?
Like any surgery, hypospadias surgery has some risks, although serious complications are uncommon.
In some children, urine leakage from a small opening, called a fistula, may develop after surgery.
A few children may also experience narrowing of the new urine opening or delayed healing.
These problems can often be treated successfully if identified early during follow-up visits.
Choosing an experienced pediatric urologist significantly improves the chances of a successful outcome.
What Is the Success Rate of Hypospadias Surgery?
Hypospadias surgery has a high success rate.
Most children require only one operation and go on to have normal urinary function and a good cosmetic result.
The outcome depends on the severity of hypospadias, the surgical technique used, and proper post-operative care.
Following the doctor’s advice during recovery is an important part of achieving the best results.
Conclusion: Hypospadias Surgery Step by Step
Hypospadias surgery is a safe and effective treatment that corrects the position of the urine opening, straightens the penis if needed, and supports normal urinary and sexual function in the future. Most children undergo surgery between 6 and 18 months of age and recover well with proper care.
If your child has been diagnosed with hypospadias, consult an experienced pediatric urologist at Bhat Hypospadias Centre Jaipur without delay. Early treatment and regular follow-up can provide the best possible outcome and help your child lead a healthy and normal life.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hypospadias Surgery
Q 1. Is hypospadias surgery painful?
Ans: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so the child does not feel pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort after surgery is usually controlled with medicines.
Q 2. How long does hypospadias surgery take?
Ans: The operation usually takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the severity of the condition.
Q 3. Will my child need to stay in the hospital?
Ans: Many children go home on the same day, while some may stay in the hospital for one or two days based on the complexity of the surgery.
Q 4. How long does recovery take after hypospadias surgery?
Ans: Most children recover within a few weeks, although complete healing may take longer in complex cases.
Q 5. Is hypospadias surgery successful?
Ans: Yes. Hypospadias surgery has a high success rate, especially when performed by an experienced pediatric urologist and followed by proper post-operative care.
