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

Mast SP, a 15-year male, from South Africa, a case of failed hypospadias who underwent four hypospadias surgeries elsewhere in the past but failed to get the desired result of hypospadias repair. 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.

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1. Clinical picture showing coronal meatus.

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

Chordee assessment was done at the start of surgery and patient did not have chordee hence degloving was not done. 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 urethral bed was healthy, we planned to place an oral mucosa inlay graft and perform single stage urethroplasty.

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

Oral mucosa graft was harvested from the upper lip. 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. 

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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.

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

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

Patient had a per urethral catheter and suprapubic cystostomy (SPC). Dressing change was done on post operative day 4 followed by operated site inspection on every 4th day. Per urethral catheter was removed on post operative day 21 and SPC was removed on post operative day 22.

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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 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. 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,

 

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- https://www.hypospadiasfoundation.com/contact/

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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.

    VVG 1
    VVG 1a

    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.

    VVG 2
    VVG 3

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

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    VVG 6

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

    VVG 6a
    VVG 8

    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.

    VVG 11
    VVG 12

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

    VVG 13
    VVG 14

    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.

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    VVG 16

    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.

    Screenshot 2024-01-17 162825

    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 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

    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 – +91-9324180553

    Does Hypospadias cause male infertility?

    For some men with hypospadias, a congenital condition where the urethral opening lies somewhere on the underside of the penis, questions about fertility can loom large. While hypospadias itself doesn't directly impact sperm production, its associated complications can sometimes pose challenges. But remember, this doesn't mean that all men with hypospadias will necessarily be infertile. Let's delve into the link between hypospadias and fertility, exploring potential concerns, available solutions, and fostering hope for
    fatherhood.

    Understanding Hypospadias:

    During fetal development, normally the urethra forms by folding of tissues from scrotum to the base of penis to the tip of penis. The failure of this urethral closure leads to hypospadias. The severity of hypospadias varies, with the opening appearing anywhere from the scrotum (scrotal hypospadias) to base of penis (penoscrotal hypospadias) to near the tip of penis (distal hypospadias). Besides the misplaced opening, most of men with hypospadias also have a downward bending of penis during erection- called chordee. 5% of hypospadias may also have associated undescended or an absent testis which can lead to lower sperm production. Such men need to be investigated for a disorder of sex development (DSD) or intersex.

    Hypospadias and Fertility: the Possible Connections:

    In isolated hypospadias with both normal testes, the sperm production usually remains unaffected, yet certain hypospadias-related factors can influence fertility:
     Urethral location: In severe unrepaired hypospadias cases such as scrotal or perineal or penoscrotal hypospadias, ejaculation might not be able to reach the vaginal introitus, hindering fertilization.
     Penile curvature: Significant curvature can make intercourse physically difficult. Sometimes erection can also be painful when there is significant chordee
     Meatal stenosis: abnormal hypospadias opening may be very small leading to urinary and sperm flow obstruction.
     Prostatic utricular diverticulum: Some men with severe hypospadias may also have a large sac near their prostate gland where sperm tubes (vas deferens) open. In such cases sperms may not flow out easily for fertilisation.
     Post hypospadias surgery issues: At Hypospadias foundation, we see lot of men who have had repairs done earlier and have poor fertility though they have a normal sperm production. The common reasons for this are complications of hypospadias surgery such as: residual curvature or chordee, stricture in new passage, diverticulum or baggy new urethra or fistulae in the urethra.

     Psychological considerations: Emotional concerns about body image or sexual function can sometimes affect intimacy and overall fertility.

    Hypospadias Treatment Options: Paving the Way for having children

    Fortunately, advancements in hypospadias surgery and infertility treatment offer effective solutions for addressing hypospadias-related fertility concerns:
     Hypospadias repair surgery: This procedure reconstructs the urethra and corrects penile curvature, often restoring normal ejaculation and improving sexual function. If there are complications from previous hypospadias surgeries such as stricture, residual chordee, fistula or a diverticulum- these can be repaired by an expert hypospadias surgeon leading to cure for infertility.
     Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): In cases where natural conception proves challenging, sperm retrieval techniques like testicular biopsy or micro epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) can be combined with IUI, IVF, or ICSI to achieve pregnancy.

    Maintaining Hope: Fatherhood is Within Reach for people with Hypospadias:

    Do consult an expert and best hypospadias surgeon first. The hypospadias surgeon will check and confirm that the hypospadias repair is proper and there is no structural issue in repair. If there is some residual issue in hypospadias surgery, then that needs to be corrected first. If the infertility persists, then you must visit an andrologist for assisted reproductive techniques.

    It’s crucial to remember:
     The majority of men with hypospadias have normal fertility.
     Early surgical intervention significantly improves the chances of successful fatherhood.
     Advanced treatments like ART offer alternative paths to parenthood. Open communication with your hypospadias doctor is key to understanding your unique
    situation and exploring suitable fertility options. Remember, hypospadias does not define your potential as a father. With proper support and available treatments, you can navigate this journey and realize your dreams of having babies and building a family. At Hypospadias foundation, we treat hundreds of children and adults with hypospadias every year. Since 2008, Dr A.K.Singal, rated as the best pediatric urologist and hypospadias surgeon in India and the world, has devoted his life to helping people with hypospadias get best results and normal life. Along with Dr Ashwitha Shenoy, pediatric surgeon and hypospadias surgeon and a partner at Hypospadias foundation, the team at Hypospadias foundation, has deep expertise in diagnosing and treating complex hypospadias.

    References:

     American Urological
    Association: https://university.auanet.org/core/pediatric/hypospadias/index.cfm
     National Institutes of Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482122/
     Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
    conditions/hypospadias/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355153

    If you wish to have a teleconsult or a second opinion from Dr Singal/ Dr Shenoy, please write to us hypospadiasfoundationindia@gmail.com or fill up this contact form: https://www.hypospadiasfoundation.com/contact/

    Dr A.K.Singal presents his work at Hypospadias World Congress at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, USA

    Hypospadias Foundation starts Clinic for Hypospadias Treatment & Surgery in Bahrain

    Dr A.K.Singal was an invited speaker at Hypospadias World Congress at Children’s Research Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA, held between 30th October 2019-1st Nov 2019. Dr Singal presented four papers on hypospadias treatment and moderated scientific sessions during the conference.

    The conference saw participation from more than 150 pediatric urologists and hypospadias specialists from across the world. The conference solely focussed on hypospadias. Various aspects of hypospadias were discussed such as etiology, diagnosis, hormonal tests and supplementation (testosterone injections), surgery techniques and complications/ results of hypospadias surgeries.

    Dr A.K.Singal

    Dr A.K.Singal

    Dr Singal with Dr Long & Dr Zaontz

    Dr Singal presented the following lectures and papers in the World Congress:

    • Buccal inlay graft for failed hypospadias- Dr Singal showed technique of buccal (oral) mucosa graft inlay surgery and its results in failed hypospadias cases.
    • Considerations in adult hypospadias repairs- Adult hypospadias are difficult to manage especially if the surgery done in childhood has failed. Dr Singal showed innovative surgery techniques for such adult hypospadias cases for best outcomes.
    • Reimagined Byar’s flaps for staged hypospadias repairs- For hypospadias with severe chordee, it is important that the penile curvature gets fully corrected in first stage and then second stage surgery is done for bringing the urethra to the tip of penis. In expert hands the results of two stage surgery for hypospadias with severe chordee is very good. Dr Singal showed finer nuances of surgery to achieve best results to the audience.
    • Parental Awareness survey for families with hypospadias: Families of children or adults with hypospadias are often not fully aware of the extent of disease and what it means in the long run. Dr Singal and his team conducted a study of 150 families to understand about their concerns about hypospadias and their knowledge level about the disease/ surgery.

    Overall the three-day conference resulted in great mutual exchange of ideas and also helped younger generation of surgeons learn from eminent faculty from all over the world.