Discovering My Condition and Past Surgeries:
I was born with a condition called Hypospadias, where the opening of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, was on the underside of my penis instead of at the tip. In my childhood, I underwent two surgeries to address this condition, but unfortunately, they were unsuccessful, leaving me with an abnormal condition. At the age of 28, I underwent two more surgeries at Asopa Hospital in Agra. These surgeries were both physically and emotionally challenging, but they allowed me to live a relatively normal life until I was 38.
Ongoing Challenges and the Need for Further Treatment:
Over the past three years, I started experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), blood in my urine, and eventually developed an allergic reaction to the medication ofloxacin. By 2023, I was diagnosed with blockages in my penile region, causing painful and slow urination. The infections and blockages made daily life increasingly difficult. It became clear that I needed further treatment to regain my health and quality of life. Unfortunately, when I went back to Agra for treatment and advice, a persistent thought kept arising in my mind that I might have to continue living with the abnormality, which left me feeling even more uncomfortable and discouraged.
Finding the Hypospadias Foundation:
While searching for the right treatment, my family doctor recommended the Hypospadias Foundation at MITR Hospital in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. The foundation seemed like the perfect place to find expert advice and treatment options tailored to my condition. Meeting Dr. Singal and Dr. Shenoy at the Hypospadias Foundation was a crucial step, they were both highly knowledgeable and provided me with detailed explanations of my condition and the treatment options available. Their reassurance helped ease my fears about the upcoming surgery.
My Concerns and Reassurances:
Like anyone facing surgery, I also had several concerns. I worried about potential complications, the pain, and the fact that I had already undergone four surgeries. I was especially concerned about whether this surgery would finally resolve my issues. However, Dr. Singal and Dr. Shenoy took the time to address all my worries. They explained the surgery process, the recovery, and the risks involved, which made me feel much more confident and prepared.
The Surgery and Hospital Experience:
The surgery went smoothly, and my experience at the hospital was positive. In the first step, the doctors took a graft from the inside of my mouth and placed it in my penile region, allowing it to heal for a year. Recently, I had another surgery to restore normal function. The hospital staff provided excellent care, making sure I was comfortable throughout my stay. Pain management was effective, which made my recovery easier. The post-surgery care was also excellent, with clear instructions and follow-up consultations to ensure I was healing properly.
The Results and Moving Forward
I am very happy with the results of the surgery. The issues I had been facing were resolved,and my quality of life has improved significantly. The procedure restored normal function, and I feel much more confident and comfortable now. Both Dr. Singal and Dr. Shenoy exceeded my expectations with their professionalism and empathy. I would highly recommend the Hypospadias Foundation to anyone facing similar issues. Their team’s expertise, dedication, and patient-centred approach make them an excellent choice for specialized care. If you are dealing with hypospadias or any related condition, dont hesitate to reach out to them. My experience with the foundation has been overwhelmingly positive, and I am grateful for the care and support I have received.
Deepak Lokwani (Age: 39)
Akola, Maharashtra
Mob. No. 9372593591
Comments from Dr A.K.Singal and Dr Shenoy:
When Deepak came to meet us, his urine flow was very poor, and he was very worried about his future. We told him about the urethral stricture which he had developed in his urethra and the need for removing the entire urethra and reconstructing it. We also told him that it would be a difficult surgery but with right approach, positive energy – we would be able to give him a good result. Initially Deepak asked us to just remove his narrow urethra and place a new opening at base of penis so that he can pass urine normally. We convinced him to allow us to place an oral graft also at the same time. It was a long graft taken from both the cheeks reaching almost 10cm. Post first surgery the graft healed very well as Deepak was very diligent with post-operative care of the graft. His urine flow was from base of penis, and it was very good. We could see his confidence build up and he started looking forward to final stage of reconstruction. We took him up for second stage oral graft urethroplasty after 1 year and he healed very well after that. He is now passing urine normally in a good flow without any infections like a normal man. His urine opening is at the tip of the penis with a good cosmetic result.
The lesson here is “Lot of adults who have failed hypospadias surgeries give up hope and don’t get anything done. They just accept their condition. At Hypospadias Foundation, we believe that everyone deserves a second chance at normal urethra. With advances in surgical techniques and dedicated surgeons, it is possible to have a normal urethra even in adult hypospadias or adults who had previous failed surgeries. We should try our best in every case to give them a normal urethra.
It is such heartwarming stories that make our work a very impactful and joyous one.