Overview
Hypospadias is a congenital condition where the opening of the urethra is not at the tip of the penis. Instead, it is located somewhere along the underside of the shaft.
Symptoms
- Urethral opening on the underside of the penis
- Downward curve of the penis (chordee)
- Abnormal spray during urination
- Hooded appearance of the foreskin
Surgical Repair
Surgery is usually recommended to correct the position of the urethral opening and straighten the penis. This is typically performed between 6 and 18 months of age.
The Procedure
The surgeon uses tissue from the foreskin or mouth to create a new urethra that extends to the tip of the penis.
Recovery
A catheter may be left in place for a few days to allow the new urethra to heal. Most children recover well with excellent functional and cosmetic results.