Hypospadias is one of the most common birth defects, affecting 1 in 200 boys. In this condition, the urethra (which is the tube through which urine leaves the body) opens on the underside of the penis instead of at its tip. Very often there is also a curvature or a downward bend of the penis which becomes more pronounced when the penis is erect. This curvature is called chordee. Sometimes, the penis appears to be rotated to one side resulting in what is called torsion. Torsion and chordee can occur without hypospadias too.

1. Hypospadias: What You
Need To Know
Pediatric Hypospadias Surgery in Pune
https://drgeetakekre.com/hypospadias-what-you-need-to-know/

2. Hypospadias is one of the most common birth defects,
affecting 1 in 200 boys. In this condition, the urethra (which
is the tube through which urine leaves the body) opens on
the underside of the penis instead of at its tip. Very often
there is also a curvature or a downward bend of the penis
which becomes more pronounced when the penis is erect.
This curvature is called chordee. Sometimes, the penis
appears to be rotated to one side resulting in what is called
torsion. Torsion and chordee can occur without hypospadias
too.
Introduction

3. Why Does Hypospadias Occur?
We’re not sure why hypospadias happens. When the fetus
develops inside the mother, the genitals form under the
influence of hormones. It has been postulated that inadequate
hormonal action during this time results in hypospadias.
However, the vast majority of boys with hypospadias have
normal hormones. There are also hypotheses about various
substances in the environment increasing the risk of
hypospadias in the fetus, but again, the evidence is not clear.
Boys who have a brother or a father affected by hypospadias
are more likely to have the condition although such familial
cases account for less than 10% of all cases. As far as we know,
there are no foods that if consumed during pregnancy would
lead to hypospadias in the baby.

4. How is Hypospadias Diagnosed?
Most often, hypospadias is diagnosed at birth or shortly after,
simply by physical examination. No tests are required to
identify hypospadias. We classify hypospadias depending on
where the urethra opens along the penis. When it opens closer
to the tip, we call it distal hypospadias. When it opens closer to
the scrotum, we call it proximal hypospadias. Mid-penile
hypospadias is the type in which the urethra opens somewhere
along the middle of the penile shaft. Sometimes, the urethra
may open at the scrotum or on the perineum. The foreskin in
hypospadias has a distinct hooded appearance too.

5. What are the Symptoms of Hypospadias?
An altered appearance of the penis is the most obvious
symptom. The urinary stream can also be seen emerging
from a site other than the tip of the penis. Distal
hypospadias may be noticed when the child is a little
older. In boys with curvature, the urinary stream is
deflected, making it difficult for older boys to use the
toilet. If the urethral opening is very narrow, the stream
may be very thin or splayed. When the urethra opens at
the perineum or very close to the scrotum, the child may
have to squat or sit to pass urine.
However, hypospadias in itself does not lead to
infections, kidney problems, or growth failure in a child.
A child with hypospadias is otherwise healthy.

6. How is Hypospadias Treated?
Reconstructive surgery is required to correct hypospadias. There
are many different types of surgeries to correct hypospadias, and
no particular method has been found to be superior to the
others. Depending on the type of hypospadias, the
reconstruction may require a single surgery or two surgeries.
The choice of surgery to be performed depends on the anatomy
of the hypospadias. Most of the time, a tube is left in the newly
constructed urethra for a few days to allow it to heal. The urine
is allowed to drain through this tube. Pain medications are given
to ease any discomfort. Thorough local hygiene is paramount to
ensuring that the surgical wound heals well.

7. DR. GEETA KEKRE IS A WELL-KNOWN
PEDIATRIC HYPOSPADIAS SPECIALIST IN
PUNE. ALONG WITH HER TEAM, SHE HAS
SUCCESSFULLY TREATED MANY
CHILDREN WITH HYPOSPADIAS. IF YOU
OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS SEEKING
TREATMENT FOR HYPOSPADIAS, PLEASE
VISIT OUR CENTER FOR FURTHER
ASSISTANCE.
About Dr. Geeta Kekre