Safe and Effective Anesthesia for Hypospadias Repair Surgery in Children

Hypospadias surgery is a procedure to correct the opening of the urethra on the underside of the penis. It is one of the most common pediatric urological surgeries. Ensuring your child’s safety and comfort throughout the surgery is paramount. Anesthesia plays a crucial role in achieving this goal.

Types of Anesthesia for Hypospadias Surgery:

 General Anesthesia: The most common approach, general anesthesia renders your child unconscious and pain-free. Medications are typically
administered intravenously (through an IV) or via inhalation through a breathing mask. The anaesthesia is usually short and there is no significant
effect on the child.

 Regional Anesthesia: Regional anaesthesia is one which works only in the specific area of the body. The regional anaesthesia used in hypospadias
repair is a caudal block, an injection near the tailbone for targeted pain control. This caudal block gives good pain relief for six to eight hours and
sometimes even up to ten hours after hypospadias surgery. Older children may feel tingly and numb in the lower limbs and may find it difficult to walk till it wears off, usually within first 12 hours

 Combined Anesthesia: Combining general and regional anesthesia offers the benefits of both: comprehensive pain management during surgery and a smoother recovery from general anesthesia.

The anaesthesia medicines chosen in children is such that there are minimal side effects and, we can resume oral intake as early as 1-2 hours after the hypospadias correction surgery.

Pediatric Anesthesiologists:

Anesthesia for hypospadias surgery is administered by a trained pediatric anesthesiologist, a medical doctor specializing in anaesthesia for infants and children and takes good care before, during, and after hypospadias repair surgery. They will meticulously assess your child’s health before hypospadias surgery, discuss anesthesia options, and choose the safest and most suitable approach for your child’s individual needs.

Communicate and Ask Questions:

Open communication with your child’s hypospadias surgeon & urologist and anesthesiologist is vital. Don’t hesitate to ask questions regarding the anesthesia plan and any concerns you may have. Feeling informed and involved in your child’s care can significantly ease anxieties.

At Hypospadias foundation, we have trained pediatric anesthesiologists who have managed more than thousands hypospadias correction repairs. From airway management, right medications to post operative pain relief we believe in a complete care of the child from pre surgery to post surgery. Safe and effective anaesthesia is necessary for good post operative recovery after hypospadias surgery.

Effective Pain Relief After Hypospadias Surgery

Pain relief is very important especially in a child because a cranky child makes the parents and the hypospadias surgeon anxious. After any procedure, it’s natural for your child to experience some discomfort but the discomfort should be manageable. Here’s a guide to effective pain relief after hypospadias surgery:

Doctor-Prescribed Medications:

 Pain relievers: After surgery we prescribe pain medications, often starting with acetaminophen(paracetamol) or ibuprofen. The medicines must be given as advised because good pain relief means a comfortable child and in turn leads to good healing after hypospadias repair.

 Antibiotics: To prevent infection, antibiotics are prescribed after hypospadias surgery. They must be continued till the catheter removal and
sometimes for a few days even after the hypospadias catheter is removed. Infection can destroy the entire hypospadias repair hence we need to be
vigilant and avoid infection at all costs.

 Bladder antispasmodics: The presence of a urinary tube can cause urinary bladder contractions. The only way to manage this is by prescribing anti spasmodic medicines. Hence after hypospadias surgery till the catheter removal, the child will be on anti-spasmodic medicines.

 Pain due to erection: Painful erections after hypospadias surgery occur in every child and are even more prominent in teenagers and adults. This pain can be quite bad due to swelling of penis and the presence of a urinary tube. Hence we prescribe a stronger painkiller diclofenac in the form of
suppository during these episodes of severe pain. This medicine gives good pain relief in times of extreme pain. For adults we also add more medicine to decrease painful erections at night.

At-Home Pain Management Strategies:

 Positioning: Encourage your child to rest comfortably, positioning themselves to minimize tension on the surgical area. This can be lateral or
supine position with pillow support.

 Distraction: Engaging your child in their favourite activities or games can help take their mind off any discomfort after hypospadias surgery

 Loose Clothing: Tight clothing can apply pressure on the operated site and cause discomfort to the child. Opt for loose-fitting clothing made from
breathable fabrics to avoid irritation.

 Dietary Adjustments: Prefer healthy nutritious food over processed food. Processed food does not have fibre and cause constipation in a child which in turn can cause bleeding at the operated site during straining. Maintaining hydration is also essential to prevent constipation.

 Hygiene: Maintain proper hygiene around the hypospadias surgical site as instructed by your doctor. Change inner diaper frequently when dirty and be vigilant for soling of dressing. If dressing gets dirty at any point, do visit the hospital and get a hypospadias dressing change.

 Activity Restrictions: Follow the doctor’s recommendations regarding activity levels to promote healing and prevent complications. Any vigorous
activities are generally avoided typically for 4-6 weeks after hypospadias surgery. Children can play at home and other board games comfortably.

Remember:

 Consult your Hypospadias Doctor: If pain seems excessive or worsens, consult your child’s doctor for further evaluation and possible medication
adjustments.

 Be Patient: Healing takes time after a hypospadias surgery. Be patient with your child and offer support throughout the recovery process.

At Hypospadias Foundation India, we have treated thousands of children and adults with hypospadias. Our approach to hypospadias repair includes
comprehensive care from preoperative to post operative period. Remember, every child heals at their own pace. By being prepared, informed, and supportive, you can help your child through this journey and ensure a successful recovery. Dr A.K.Singal and Dr Ashwitha Shenoy are rated as the best hypospadias surgeons in India. Their experience in the field of hypospadias makes them the best surgeons for hypospadias repair for both children and adults. If you need an opinion or consult us for your child, please do write to us at hypospadiasfoundationindia@gmail.com or fill up this contact form or visit us at the hospital.

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    What is urethrocutaneous fistula after hypospadias repair and why does it occur?

    Hypospadias is a condition seen in 1 in 150 to 200 newborn boys. Surgical repair is the primary treatment for hypospadias, aiming to reposition the urethral opening to the tip of the penis, straighten any abnormal curvature and to improve the overall appearance of the penis. Like any other surgery, complications can occur even after hypospadias repair. The common complications which occur are urethrocutaneous fistula, meatal stenosis, glans dehiscence and rarely, urethral diverticulum or urethral stricture. Among these, the most common and notorious complication is the urethral fistula. 

    Urethrocutaneous fistula refers to the development of an abnormal opening between a newly constructed urethra and the skin on the underside of the penis. When this occurs, the child or the adult will have more than one urine stream. There will be one stream from the tip of the penis (the newly created opening) and the other stream or leak of urine from the fistula site. The leaking of urine from the fistula site tends to fall on the legs or can wet the clothing, causing inconvenience to the children and the adults. In our centre, we see a lot of children coming for urethral fistula treatment after the first surgery somewhere else, like the case below.

    urethral fistula repair

    Post hypospadias surgery fistula can occur due to multiple reasons. Some of them are as follows:

    Intraoperative factors:

    1. Poor blood supply: Poor blood supply also called as ischemia is one of the most common factors that can severely impair and delay tissue healing. The process of wound healing is complex and heavily relies on the continuous supply of essential nutrients along with oxygen via the blood stream. During urethroplasty if the blood supply of the tissues is poor then fistula formation can occur post-surgery due to poor healing.
    2. Inadequate tissue closure: During urethroplasty, we must take care that there should be a watertight closure of the newly reconstructed passage. And this urethral passage should be reinforced with multiple layers of tissues such as local tissues or dartos flap so that the risk of fistula formation decreases. Gaps in the urethral closure with deficient overlying tissue layers can increase the risk of fistula formation. 
    3. Tight closure of tissues: The urethroplasty and overlying tissue closure in hypospadias should never be under tension. If the tissue closure is tight then the vascularity is affected and can cause ischaemia of the tissues leading to skin necrosis and fistula formation.
    4. Narrow or stenosed urethra: The newly reconstructed urethra in hypospadias should be of good calibre. If the urethra becomes narrow, then there can be increased pressure within the urethra proximal to the narrow segment leading to a weaker point which gives away causing urine leaking from this point which becomes a fistula. 
    5. Type and severity of hypospadias: Severe hypospadias or complex hypospadias is usually associated with severe penile curvature along with urinary opening situated far from the head of the penis. Longer urethral reconstruction is inherently more complex with higher risk of complications and hence higher chance of fistula formation compared to milder forms of hypospadias.  
    6. Fibrotic or unhealthy tissues: Fibrotic tissues are associated with poor blood supply and using such tissues for urethral reconstruction can be disastrous with higher possibility of dehiscence and fistula formation.
    7. Surgeon experience: The risk of fistula formation will be higher at a centre performing very few hypospadias repairs compared to a centre performing more than 50-60 repairs every year. The technique, tissue handling etc gets better only once the surgeon performs more than 50 hypospadias surgeries every year. 

    Post operative factors:

    1. Infection: If the operated hypospadias site gets infected in the post-surgery period, then there is a possibility of dehiscence at the site of infection which in turn can cause fistula formation. 
    2. Poor nutrition: Optimal nutrition is not just beneficial but fundamental for wound healing. Deficiency in key nutrients can cripple the body’s ability to repair itself leading to weakened tissue, increased infection risk and ultimately wound breakdown and higher chance of fistula formation
    3. Presence of constipation: Constipation can indirectly contribute to wound breakdown. Straining to pass stool can put pressure on the penile area and can put undue stress on the delicate tissues and new sutures which can give away and cause fistula formation. 

    Inspite of the best efforts of the hypospadias surgeon, fistula can occur after hypospadias repair. Even if fistula occurs, there is a possibility that the fistula can close spontaneously. At Hypospadias Foundation, we wait for 6 months to assess the same and if it does not close then surgery in the form of fistula closure may be required. Before urethral fistula closure it is mandatory to check the urinary passage beyond the site of fistula. If the passage beyond the site of fistula is narrow, then simple urethral fistula closure may not suffice, and reconstruction of the entire distal passage (distal urethroplasty) may be necessary.  

    Hypospadias Foundation is a centre located in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, with surgeons having expertise in hypospadias repair in children and adults. We regularly manage both primary hypospadias repairs and complex cases, including those with previous multiple failed repairs. A significant focus of our patient base consists of children and adults who have had failed hypospadias surgeries elsewhere, including persistent fistulas. Our approach involves not just good surgical technique but also diligent pre-operative assessment, focussed post-surgery care and critical decision making for good long-term outcomes. 

    Dr A.K. Singal is the founder and head of Hypospadias Foundation, India. He is considered the best hypospadias surgeon in India and the world and has successfully treated more than thousands of children and adults with hypospadias with excellent results. 

    Dr Ashwitha Shenoy is an expert hypospadias surgeon with a special interest in the field of hypospadias and pediatric urology. Both Dr Singal and Dr Shenoy strive to achieve excellent outcomes in adults and children with hypospadias. Our success rate at Hypospadias Foundation for all types of repairs, including complex and failed repairs, is more than 95%. 

    Contact us:

    For an 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

    If you wish to contact us, pls fill up this form- Contact form for Hypospadias Foundation

    or pls call up our clinic for an appointment- Clinic details for Hypospadias Foundation.

    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

    Keywords: best hypospadias surgeon India, Best hypospadias surgeon world, complicated hypospadias repair, oral mucosa graft repair, oral mucosa inlay graft, Hypospadias repair in small penis, failed hypospadias repair, oral mucosa graft urethroplasty, results of hypospadias surgery, failed hypospadias surgery, complications of hypospadias, hypospadias surgery, hypospadias surgeon south Africa,

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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

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