Summary
Hypospadias is repaired by paediatric surgeons, paediatric urologists, adult reconstructive urologists and plastic surgeons. This review is unique in representing all four specialities, to provide a unified policy on the management of hypospadias. The surgeon of whichever speciality should have a dedicated interest in this challenging work, ideally having an annual volume of at least 40–50 cases. The ideal time for primary repair is at 6–12 months old, although when this is not practicable there is another opportunity at 3–4 years old. A surgical protocol is presented which emphasises both functional and cosmetic refinement. Using a logical progression of a very few related procedures allows the reliable correction of almost any hypospadias deformity. A one‐stage repair is used when the urethral plate does not require transection and its axial integrity can be maintained. Occasionally, when the plate is of adequate width and depth, it can be tubularized directly using the second stage of the two‐stage repair. When (usually) the urethral plate is not adequately developed and requires augmentation before it can be tubularized, then that second‐stage procedure is modified by adding a dorsal releasing incision ± a graft (alias Snodgrass and ‘Snodgraft’ procedures). The two‐stage repair offers the most reliable and refined solution for those patients who require transection of the urethral plate and a full circumferential substitution urethroplasty. From available evidence this protocol combines excellent function and cosmesis with optimum reliability. Nevertheless, it would be complacent to assume that these gratifying results will be maintained into adult life. We therefore recommend that there is still a need for active follow‐up through to genital maturity.
Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty is a versatile operation that corrects proximal hypospadias defects with few complications and superior cosmetic results.
Ten years after the consensus meeting on disorders of sex development (DSD), genital surgery continues to raise questions and criticisms concerning its indications, its technical aspects, timing and evaluation. This standpoint details each distinct situation and its possible management in 5 main groups of DSD patients with atypical genitalia: the 46,XX DSD group (congenital adrenal hyperplasia); the heterogeneous 46,XY DSD group (gonadal dysgenesis, disorders of steroidogenesis, target tissues impairments …); gonosomic mosaicisms (45,X/46,XY patients); ovo-testicular DSD; and "non-hormonal/non chromosomal" DSD. Questions are summarized for each DSD group with the support of literature and the feed-back of several world experts. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of presentation there is no consensus regarding the indications, the timing, the procedure nor the evaluation of outcome of DSD surgery. There are, however, some issues on which most experts would agree: 1) The need for identifying centres of expertise with a multidisciplinary approach; 2) A conservative management of the gonads in complete androgen insensitivity syndrome at least until puberty although some studies expressed concerns about the heightened tumour risk in this group; 3) To avoid vaginal dilatation in children after surgical reconstruction; 4) To keep asymptomatic mullerian remnants during childhood; 5) To remove confirmed streak gonads when Y material is present; 6) It is likely that 46,XY cloacal exstrophy, aphallia and severe micropenis would do best raised as male although this is based on limited outcome data. There is general acknowledgement among experts that timing, the choice of the individual and irreversibility of surgical procedures are sources of concerns. There is, however, little evidence provided regarding the impact of non-treated DSD during childhood for the individual development, the parents, society and the risk of stigmatization. The low level of evidence should lead to design collaborative prospective studies involving all parties and using consensual protocols of evaluation.
| Failed hypospadias refers to any hypospadias repair that leads to complications or causes patient dissatisfaction. The complication rate after hypospadias repairs ranges from 5-70%, but the actual incidence of failed hypospadias is unknown as complications can become apparent many years after surgery and series with lifelong follow-up data do not exist. Moreover, little is known about uncomplicated repairs that fail in terms of patient satisfaction. Risk factors for complications include factors related to the hypospadias (severity of the condition and characteristics of the urethral plate), the patient (age at surgery, endocrine environment, and wound healing impairment), the surgeon (technique selection and surgeon expertise), and the procedure (technical details and postoperative management). The most important factors for preventing complications are surgeon expertise (number of cases treated per year), interposition of a barrier layer between the urethroplasty and the skin, and postoperative urinary drainage. Major complications associated with failed hypospadias include residual curvature, healing complications (preputial dehiscence, glans dehiscence, fistula formation, and urethral breakdown), urethral obstruction (meatal stenosis, urethral stricture, and functional obstruction), urethral diverticula, hairy urethra, and penile skin deficiency.
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