Single stage hypospadias repair in a boy after multiple failed hypospadias surgeries

“Mast SP, a 15-year-old male from South Africa, is a case of failed hypospadias repair, having undergone four unsuccessful surgeries elsewhere in the past. Despite previous attempts, the desired result of hypospadias repair was not achieved. He presented to us with complaints of spraying of urine with residual chordee. On clinical examination, we found that the meatus was located at the coronal region. The penis was small with flat glans. He was planned for cystoscopy to assess the status of the native urethra, and redo hypospadias surgery was planned in a single stage or in two stages depending on the cystoscopy findings, addressing the challenges of hypospadias repair in a boy

Hypospadias repair in a boy

1. Clinical picture showing coronal meatus.

Cystoscopy showed normal urethra. Since the majority of the urethra was normal, we planned for single stage repair, focusing on hypospadias repair in a boy. We chose to proceed with single stage distal oral mucosa inlay graft urethroplasty.

Chordee assessment was done at the start of surgery, and the patient did not have chordee, hence degloving was not done. A midline incision was given in the urethral plate to assess the quality of the urethral plate. There was no scarring in the urethral plate. Since the urethral bed was healthy, we planned to place an oral mucosa inlay graft and perform single stage urethroplasty.

Hypospadias repair in a boy
HP 3

2 a & b. Clinical picture showing the marking of the incision and chordee assessment.

Oral mucosa graft was harvested from the upper lip to perform hypospadias repair in a boy. The graft was defatted and sutured at the urethral bed using 5-0 vicryl. The graft was sutured at the edges of the urethral plate and was quilted in place using 5-0 vicryl sutures. Following inlay graft placement, glans wings were widely mobilized. Urethroplasty was done using 5-0 vicryl stitch, first layer was continuous subcuticular inverting sutures. Second layer was closed using local tissues. Local flap was harvested from the left side and sutured over the urethroplasty as a waterproofing layer using 5-0 vicryl. Glans wings were widely mobilized and distal urethroplasty along with glansplasty was done using 5-0 vicryl.

Hypospadias repair in a boy
Hypospadias repair in a boy

3 a & b Picture showing site of oral mucosa graft harvest i.e upper lip and oral mucosa graft, it has been placed and quilted in the urethral bed.

Hypospadias repair in a boy
Hypospadias repair in a boy

4 a & b: Distal urethroplasty completed and local flap harvested from the left side.

HP 8
Hypospadias repair in a boy

5 a & b: Local flap sutured over the urethroplasty, and second picture shows completion of the entire repair.

After undergoing hypospadias repair in a boy, the patient had a per urethral catheter and suprapubic cystostomy (SPC). Dressing change was done on postoperative day 4 followed by operated site inspection on every 4th day. Per urethral catheter was removed on postoperative day 21 and SPC was removed on postoperative day 22.

Hypospadias repair in a boy
Hypospadias repair in a boy

6. Picture showing status at post operative day 15 and second picture shows urine stream after catheter removal. 

Post catheter removal, he was passing urine in single straight stream with no leak. Patient was started on meatal dilatation using meatal dilator with mild steroid ointment for 3 months. 

Testimonial from the boy’s father in his own words:

We are from South Africa. We got reference of Dr. Singal from a website, post which I got an appointment. Post which they did a proper evaluation and told that he had to undergo a redo hypospadias repair. Based on the evaluation, he had to do redo surgery for hypospadias repair in a boy. We came here on 22nd of December, procedure was properly explained to us. The surgery went well, post care after the surgery was also extremely good. Total support staff, hospital staff took care of my son very well. After the surgery, the discharge process was very fine, post care after discharge was also very good. The steps were properly explained. Today we are finishing the treatment and going out of India to South Africa. From my experience, the overall procedure was very good and extremely satisfying.

Single Stage Hypospadias Repair In A Boy After Multiple Failed Hypospadias Surgeries

Failed hypospadias repair refers to a situation where the initial surgery to correct hypospadias was not successful. Inspite of the best efforts by the surgeon the complications may happen because every healing of every hypospadias patient is different. We do not know the exact reason for complications after hypospadias surgery but here are some factors which may contribute to post-surgery complications:

  1. Severity of hypospadias: Severe hypospadias repair is more complex and more challenging than mild hypospadias. Total healing time in hypospadias is 3- 4 weeks and it is longer in severe hypospadias. To minimize the risk of complications in severe hypospadias repair, the entire repair may have to be done in 2-3 stages.
  2. Surgical technique: Different surgical techniques have varying success rates, and the choice of technique can impact the outcome. The choice of technique depends on the type of hypospadias, degree of chordee, glans diameter etc. An expert hypospadias surgeon will choose the best technique after considering all the factors because no two techniques are the same, and no two hypospadias are the same.
  3. Experience of the surgeon: The experience of a surgeon is an important factor for successful hypospadias surgery. Centre performing more than 50 surgeries per year will have lesser complications compared to the other centres.
  4. Wound healing: Wound healing is an important deciding factor in complications after any surgery. In hypospadias, wound healing is very slow in adults as compared to children. This may be because of decreased cell turnover with age, a weakened immune system, and reduced blood flow. And if they have any preexisting co-morbid illnesses then healing is slower, with a higher risk of complications.
  5. Age at surgery: The best age to undergo hypospadias surgery is between 6 and 18 months of age. If not done at this age, it should ideally be done by 5 years of age. Parents are sometimes unable to get the surgery done within 5 years of age, and these children, when they reach adulthood, realize that they need surgery to correct the hypospadias. Outcomes in later age are little inferior to childhood hypospadias surgery but still possible. Adults with hypospadias need not lose hope because it’s better late than never. At Hypospadias Foundation, we have been able to achieve good outcomes with cosmetic result with a success rate of more than 90%, even in adults after multiple previous failed surgeries.
  6. Underlying medical conditions: Obese or overweight adults, smokers, poor nutritional status, and diabetes are some of the conditions that can lead to slow healing. Overweight patients or diabetics can develop insulin resistance, causing poor healing. Smokers, nutritional deficiencies, etc. can cause decreased blood flow to the operated site, associated with decreased collagen production, which in turn causes slow healing.

Impact and Considerations after failed hypospadias repair:

A failed hypospadias repair can have both physical and emotional consequences for an individual with adult hypospadias and for parents of kids suffering from hypospadias. Complications that can occur after hypospadias repair are:

  1. Urinary problems: difficulty in urinating, spraying of urine (glans dehiscence), urine passage from multiple holes (fistula), pain in urinating, or urinary tract infections, swelling pf penis during voiding (diverticulum), problems with ejaculation, post void dribbling,
  2. Residual chordee (curvature): The penis may remain bent, affecting sexual intercourse and, in turn, leading to sexual dysfunction.
  3. Cosmetic appearance: The meatus may be at a slightly lower level than normal. This may be disturbing for some individuals. In this case, there will be no problems in passing urine, and it is merely the way it looks different from others.
  4. Psychological impact: As a parent, you may feel helpless and angry after a failed hypospadias. Failure of hypospadias surgery can cause feelings of anxiety, frustration, suicidal tendency, and low self-esteem in an adult. At certain times, adults may need pre- surgery counseling to reduce anxiety and stress. By improving your communication with your doctor and understanding the risks and benefits of surgery, you are more likely to be satisfied with the outcome.

Seeking Help:

If you or someone you know has a failed hypospadias, it’s crucial to seek professional help from a urologist specializing in pediatric urology or hypospadias. They can assess the situation, discuss treatment options, and provide guidance and support throughout the process. Even after previous unsuccessful repairs, there is more than 90% chance that with an expert hypospadias surgeon, the complications can be managed, and your hypospadias can be fully cured.

About Hypospadias Foundation 

At Hypospadias Foundation, we get adults and children from all over the world in search of treatment for hypospadias. We provide support and information for children, adults, and their families affected by hypospadias. Dr Singal and Dr Shenoy are deeply devoted to creating awareness and helping patients get the right treatment and best outcomes for hypospadias. Children and adults from more than 25 countries visit Hypospadias Foundation in search of treatment for hypospadias.

Dr A K Singal is a highly experienced surgeon and is regarded as the best hypospadias surgeon in India and in the world for treating children and adults with hypospadias. If you are looking for a highly skilled and experienced pediatric urologist and hypospadias surgeon for yourself or your child, then Dr Singal is an excellent choice.

Dr Ashwitha Shenoy is an expert pediatric surgeon with a special interest in pediatric urology and hypospadias. Dr Singal and Dr Shenoy’s collaboration allows them to offer advanced surgical techniques and comprehensive care for patients.

Contact us:

For appointment kindly contact us at the contact details given below.

MITR hospital & Hypospadias Foundation, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India – Tue/Saturday 4:00pm-6:00pm, Call for appointments: +91-9324180553 (whatsapp), +916262840940, +916262690790 Or email us at hypospadiasfoundationindia@gmail.com

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    Two stage oral mucosa graft repair in redo hypospadias

    A 3 year 6 months male child presented to us in the OPD after two failed surgeries for hypospadias (done elsewhere). He had undergone a staged hypospadias repair at another centre in Mumbai and when he came to us, he had meatus at the proximal penile region probably due to complete dehiscence after stage 2 repair. The child was very apprehensive in the OPD because of a traumatic experience from previous surgery. On examination, the meatus was in the proximal penile region with very irregular unhealthy skin beyond that. At our centre, he was planned for cystoscopy, chordee assessment and most likely a staged oral mucosa graft hypospadias repair for best outcome.

    oral mucosa graft repair hypospadias
    oral mucosa graft repair hypospadias

    On clinical examination, the meatus was at the proximal penile region with
    unhealthy distal skin.

    At the start of hypospadias surgery, chordee was assessed and there was no residual chordee noted. Deep degloving was done, all fibrotic tissues from the urethral bed were removed. Proximal urethra was mobilized. Chordee was reassessed and no chordee was noted. Skin was rearranged on the dorsal and ventral side. Raw area of 4x2cm was noted on the ventral aspect. Hence, we planned a stage 1 OMG repair i.e placement of oral mucosa graft.

    Oral mucosa graft was harvested from the right cheek and placed on the ventral side from the glans till the meatus. Graft was quilted thoroughly on the corpora using 6-0 PDS.

    oral mucosa graft repair hypospadias
    oral mucosa graft repair hypospadias

    Chordee was assessed, no residual chordee noted. Deep degloving done, all fibrotic tissues excised.

    oral mucosa graft repair hypospadias
    oral mucosa graft repair hypospadias

    Skin rearranged on the dorsal and ventral side. 4cm raw area on the ventral side noted.

    oral mucosa graft repair hypospadias
    oral mucosa graft repair hypospadias

    Oral mucosa graft harvested from the right cheek of size 4x2cm. Oral mucosa graft sutured on the ventral side from the glans till all around the meatus.

    After stage 1, graft healing was good. Steroid massage was started 3 weeks after surgery and was continued for 5 months. Graft uptake was 100%. Second stage was planned after 6 months when the graft was soft and pliable. During the second stage hypospadias repair, chordee was reassessed and no chordee noted. Local anaesthesia – lignocaine with adrenaline was injected at the edges of the graft. Graft was incised at the margins and tubularized over a 7Fr Infant feeding tube (IFT). Second layer was closed using local tissues. Dartos flap was harvested from the left side and sutured over the urethroplasty using 6-0 PDS. Glans wings were widely mobilized and Glansplasty was done using 6-0 PDS. Glans epithelium was closed using 6-0 PDS. Skin was closed in 2 layers using 6-0 PDS and 6-0 vicryl rapide.

    oral mucosa graft repair hypospadias
    oral mucosa graft repair hypospadias

    Graft was soft, 6 months after stage 1 repair. Chordee was assessed and no chordee was noted.

    VVG 13
    oral mucosa graft repair hypospadias

    Graft was measured and 18mm width was used for urethroplasty. Graft was incised all around and tubularized and sutured using continuous inverting subcuticular sutures using 6-0 PDS.

    oral mucosa graft repair hypospadias
    oral mucosa graft repair hypospadias

    Dartos flap sutured over the urethroplasty. Glansplasty and skin done hence completing Stage 2 OMG urethroplasty.

    Dressing change was done after 7 days, and catheter was removed after 10 days. After catheter removal, the child passed urine in single straight stream with no pain or leak.

    oral mucosa graft repair hypospadias

    Post catheter removal, passing urine in single straight stream with no complications.

    Two stage oral mucosa graft repair in redo hypospadias

    Hypospadias is usually diagnosed after birth in the neonatal period by a pediatrician. Once diagnosed, referral to a pediatric urologist is necessary to plan surgery at the right age. As per the guidelines the best age for hypospadias surgery is between 9 to 18 months. Hypospadias Surgery is planned in single or two stages depending on the severity of hypospadias. After chordee correction, usually there is insufficient skin on the underside of the penis to reconstruct the urethra hence extra tissues either in the form of prepuce (in primary ones) and oral mucosa graft (in redo cases) are used for urethroplasty.

    Prepucial skin can be mostly used only once for the hypospadias repair. If the first surgery is unsuccessful then we need to plan redo surgery by using skin from somewhere else due to lack of local prepucial skin. In these children, use of oral mucosa graft is an excellent option. The reason why oral mucosa can be used for urethral reconstruction is because it is hairless, thin and pliable similar to the natural lining of the urethra. Graft is harvested from the inside of the cheek or lip, fatty tissue from the graft is removed. The penis is prepared for placement of the graft and the graft is meticulously sutured on the corporal bed. The graft incorporates into the urethral bed and becomes soft in 6-8 months. Local Steroid massage is necessary to make the graft soft. Once it is as soft as lip it can be tubularized to form the neourethra. The beauty of oral graft is such that there is less risk of fistula formation, minimal donor site scarring and has good cosmetic outcomes. However, it requires specialized skill and experience to perform oral mucosa graft in hypospadias and there is a small percentage of adults or children who may develop graft rejection or failure. In these children or adults, we need to replace the graft completely by a new graft.

    The above-mentioned case is of a boy who presented to us after two failed hypospadias surgeries in the past. The local prepucial skin was unhealthy, hence we opted for oral mucosa graft. The final cosmetic result in this boy was excellent and he was able to pass urine in single straight stream with no complications.

    At Hypospadias Foundation in Navi Mumbai, after hypospadias repair including oral mucosa inlay graft urethroplasty, children are encouraged to walk, play, and do some activities at home comfortably. We do not advice bed rest. Tying the legs and restricting children from doing activities or walking is disturbing for the child. Encouraging them to do activities can act as a distraction and take their mind off from the discomfort and promote healing. With our vast experience in hypospadias, we would recommend that children be allowed to do some activities in the post operative period. Play can be powerful tool for children to express their emotions and process surgical fear.

    About Hypospadias foundation

    Hypospadias foundation is an organization dedicated for children and adults with hypospadias and is rated as the best hospital for hypospadias repair in India. It was founded in 2008 by Dr A K Singal and is located in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Hypospadias foundation offers best results for surgical repair for primary and failed hypospadias. We at hypospadias foundation believe in providing personalized care and psychosocial support to families of children and adults with hypospadias. The foundation also advocates improved access of care for people with hypospadias around the world.

    Dr A K Singal is a well renowned hypospadias surgeon and regarded as the best hypospadias surgeon in India and in the world. His vision for hypospadias has helped him achieve excellent outcomes in adults and children with hypospadias. He has dedicated his life in treating children and adults with hypospadias with his innovative surgical techniques.

    Dr Ashwitha Shenoy is an expert pediatric surgeon with special interest in pediatric urology and hypospadias. She holds a particular interest in hypospadias and along with Dr Singal performs advanced surgical techniques for both primary and complex hypospadias cases in children and adults.

    Contact us:

    For appointment kindly contact us at the contact details given below.

    MITR hospital & Hypospadias Foundation, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India – Tue/Saturday 4:00pm-6:00pm, Call for appointments: +91-9324180553. Or email us at hypospadiasfoundationindia@gmail.com

    or pls call up our clinic for an appointment – +91-9324180553

    Guide to choose the best hypospadias surgeon for your child

    Hypospadias is a common congenital anomaly diagnosed at birth. Most of the children will need repair surgery for hypospadias and this surgery should be done by 18 months of age in a child who is born full term and is otherwise healthy. The hypospadias surgery, when done, should be carried out by an expert hypospadias surgeon. The hypospadias surgeon should be trained in hypospadias surgeries and have extensive experience and dedication to hypospadias-related work. 

    As a parent of a child with hypospadias, you may be confused about how to choose the best hypospadias surgeon. Any pediatric urologist or pediatric surgeon can operate on a child with hypospadias, but every surgeon may not get the desired and best post-surgery results. Here are a few tips that will help you shortlist the best hypospadias surgeon for your child.

    1. Ask your pediatrician: Pediatricians and pediatric urologists or surgeons often know each other well and work closely. Pediatricians are the first doctors to diagnose hypospadias and they can guide you to an experienced hypospadias surgeon who does lot of such surgeries and has good results for hypospadias surgery. Pediatricians often also get to see the children post-surgery and hence know the outcomes for each surgeon. Ask your pediatrician to guide you to seek the best hypospadias surgeon for your child. 
    2. Connect with parents of children with hypospadias: A parent of a child with hypospadias goes through a great deal of experience when it comes to hypospadias surgery. From pre-surgery OPD visits to post-surgery care, they become experts on how to manage their child in the hospital and after surgery. New parents can discuss with other parents whose child has already completed hypospadias repair and get an honest opinion regarding the hypospadias surgeon, experience in the hospital, and their overall experience. This will help other parents gain confidence and decide what’s best for their child.
    3. Search online for the best centres of expertise for Hypospadias Surgery: Most of the good centres for hypospadias treatment have a comprehensive website and a knowledge centre. Key things to look online are- qualification of the hypospadias doctor, years of experience, kind of cases they have managed, their success stories, their online reviews, the surgery videos, their publications and whether they are so good that they are training other surgeons. In the best hypospadias centres, their website will have enough information on all these points.
    4. Visit your hypospadias surgeon in the OPD: Make sure you visit your hypospadias surgeon or connect with them online for a hypospadias consultation at least once before you plan the surgery. In the Outpatient department (OPD) of a hypospadias surgeon you will find many other children with hypospadias which indicates hypospadias surgery is performed regularly at that hospital. Ask your hypospadias surgeon about the cases done so far, the success rate and similar cases done in the past which will help you gain confidence in the surgeon and take a decision if he/she is the right surgeon for your child.
    5. Success rate of hypospadias repair surgery: Every surgery has its own set of complications but when it comes to hypospadias the complication rates vary widely at various centers. The best hypospadias surgeon should have a success rate of more than 90% with a complication rate of under 10%.  When you visit your hypospadias surgeon do ask them about the success rate of surgery at their center. 
    6. Expertise in managing complex hypospadias: Complex hypospadias such as perineal, scrotal hypospadias and redo hypospadias (hypospadias after multiple previous failed attempts) need to be managed very differently. If your child has such a hypospadias, make sure that you ask your hypospadias surgeon about their experience in managing such cases and the technique which is going to be done in your child so that you are prepared for the post-surgery period. An experienced hypospadias surgeon will be well versed in managing complex cases as well as primary ones. 

    The first surgery is the best chance for a complete cure from hypospadias. Once the first surgery fails, subsequent surgeries become difficult. Hence, it is important that you do full research and choose wisely. Choosing the right hypospadias surgeon is not an easy decision for any parent. Every parent wants the best surgeon for their child. 

    At hypospadias foundation, we treat more than 200 children and adults every year with hypospadias. Our dedication and expertise in hypospadias makes us one of the leading centers for hypospadias repair in the world. Do not hesitate to write to us or visit us for more information on our expert hypospadias surgeons. We will be happy to offer a second opinion or help you with understanding hypospadias treatment for your child or yourself (adult hypospadias)

     

    Fill up contact form: https://www.hypospadiasfoundation.com/contact/

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      Twins from Greece undergo successful surgery for severe hypospadias in Mumbai, India

      Across the borders for Hypospadias

      Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital anomalies affecting more than 4,00,000 newborn babies every year across the globe. The problem is not restricted to any particular country or race. Every year, our team at Hypospadias Foundation lead by Dr A.K. Singal manages kids with hypospadias from across India and also from other countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Iraq, Bangladesh, USA and recently Greece.

      Well, the kids from Greece were a whole different story. Though originally from Greece, their father Ioannis Padadatos was employed with a company in Delhi. Master Konstantinos and Spyridon Papadatos, twin babies were born in Delhi to Maria and Ioannis were noted to have hypospadias at birth. The hypospadias was relatively severe in both the children and had associated chordee. The urethral opening was near the scrotum (testis) called Penoscrotal hypospadias. Parents were very hassled as they had never heard of the condition before and now both their newborn babies had severe variety of hyposapdias. Dissatisfied with the information given by pediatricians, pediatric surgeons and urologists in Delhi, they took up to internet for more information. They contacted Dr A.K.Singal, Pediatric Urologist & renowned Hypospadias surgeon who regularly writes articles at www.hypospadiasfoundation.com . Though they had visited the multiple doctors in delhi, what reassured them was the blogs written by dr A.K.Singal about his experience with children who had hypospadias.

      After exchange of a few emails, Maria and Ioannis travelled all the way to Mumbai when the babies were 6 months old, in Nov 2013 to consult Dr A.K.Singal at Fortis Hospital in Vashi. Since the right age of surgery for hypospadias is 6 – 15 months, the parents elected to get the surgery done as soon as possible. After the blood tests, the parents again came to Mumbai in December to get the surgery done for both the kids. Master Spyridon underwent surgery on a Monday while Konstantinos underwent surgery on Tuesday. Though both had severe hypospadias and the parents were counseled that a two staged correction may be needed, the whole hypospadias surgical correction was performed in one stage using an Onlay Island Flap urethroplasty of which Dr Singal is an expert. The correction of penile curvature (chordee correction) and formation of new urinary tube (urethroplasty) were all performed in one stage.

      After one more day post-surgery in Mumbai, the family travelled back to Delhi and kept in regular touch with Dr Singal via email. Dr Singal visited them one week later in Fortis Hospital in Delhi while attending a conference. Finally the catheter (urinary pipe) was removed after ten days of surgery and babies passed urine in good thick stream signifying a successful outcome in one stage. Now almost nine months after hypospadias surgery, both the babies are doing extremely well.

      The family has now shifted to Doha, Qatar but they have taken a lot of India with them and most of all fond memories. We at Hypospadias Foundation are very happy to see the kids grow well and pass urine from a normal opening.

      Dr Singal adds “With the advances in instruments and sutures plus better surgical techniques, we are able to do single stage correction for even severe hypospadias in most cases. Rarely we need second surgery and that too if there are complications in the first hypospadias surgery. I am happy that Maria and Ioannis trusted us for management of their children for hypospadias. They came with full faith and trust and that made my job so much easier. I will always remember their family and their beautiful kids. It was indeed a joy meeting them and knowing them. Sometimes I wonder as a hypospadias surgeon what kind of leap of faith the parents must take to travel in an unknown country to an unknown doctor and trust him/ her with the lives of their little ones. I truly appreciate their courage and faith.”

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