Various post surgical dressing methods and techniques are used depending on the type and severity. Surgical techniques and approaches to dressings vary between surgeons. A recent innovation is the creation of a protective housing covering the entire surgical area. This is called a genital shield. The semi flexible absorbent shield protects the penis and scrotum [...]
Hypospadias is a birth defect of the penis which is increasing in frequency. The condition involves the urethra, the tube carrying urine from the bladder to the tip of the penis. In hypospadias, a problem occurs during the development of the penis which results in the urethra opening on the under surface of the penis [...]
Development of hypospadias is thought to occur during embryological development between 8 to 20 weeks gestation. There is a genetic component to the development of hypospadias but this doesn’t fully explain the presence of the condition. Various other risk factors include early menarche in the mother, threatened miscarriage, low placental weight and exposure to progestins. [...]
The incidence of hypospadias which was reported to be about 1:250 male births has increased over the last years to around 1:150 male births. Some of this rise effect may be due to awareness and better reporting of the condition. There is however a trend emerging of an increase in the severity of the cases. [...]
Some first degree cases are so mild that they do not require treatment but these are fairly rare. The majority of cases require surgical repair. The objective is to relocate the urethral opening to its normal position on the tip of the penis and to correct any abnormal penile curvature. There is also the goal [...]
The outcome or prognosis with hypospadias repairs is generally good and there is continual investigation into new techniques and improvements. The procedure is however not without risk. The incidence of complications can be reduced with proper preventative measures. The most common complications are bleeding, haematoma, swelling, wound infection, skin necrosis, fistula and penile torsion (twisting). [...]