Frequently Asked Questions About Hypospadias Repair

Hypospadias is a congenital condition where the urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip. It can occur anywhere from just below the normal position to the base of the penis or scrotum. Many cases also involve downward penile curvature (chordee).

Yes. Many men with uncorrected hypospadias or failed childhood repairs seek treatment as adults. Adult repair is technically more challenging due to mature tissues and scarring, but excellent outcomes are achievable with appropriate surgical expertise.

Common reasons include persistent urethral opening abnormality, recurrent urethral stricture or fistula, persistent penile curvature, cosmetic concerns, urinary stream issues, or sexual function problems. Some complications from childhood surgery become apparent in adulthood.

Repair typically involves straightening any curvature, creating a new urethral channel to extend to the tip of the penis, and reconstructing the glans to create a normal-appearing urethral opening. Many techniques exist; the best approach depends on hypospadias severity and prior surgeries.

Surgery time is 2-4 hours for both primary repairs and complex revisions. Staged procedures (when needed for severe cases) involve multiple operations spaced several months apart.

A urinary catheter is required for 1-2 weeks after surgery. Most men return to desk work within a week. Restrictions on strenuous activity and sexual activity are typically 4-6 weeks. Complete healing takes several months.

Dr. Vanni's success rates for primary adult repairs and revision cases for failed prior repairs, is above 90%. Success depends on severity, amount of prior surgery, and tissue quality available for reconstruction.

Yes. Adult hypospadias repair is often performed for men with failed childhood repairs requiring revision, or for those who never had definitive correction. Dr. Vanni specializes in complex adult hypospadias reconstruction including multi-stage procedures.

Recovery varies based on complexity. Simple repairs allow return to activity in 2-3 weeks. Complex multi-stage reconstructions require longer recovery, with staged procedures performed 6 months apart. The urinary catheter typically remains in place for 2-3 weeks.

Adult hypospadias repair addresses both functional and cosmetic concerns, often improving urinary function, appearance, and sexual function. Patients with associated penile curvature (chordee) also have improvement in sexual function after curvature correction.

Properly performed repair should improve sexual function by correcting curvature and creating a normally positioned urinary opening. Hypospadias repair does not affect fertility or sperm production.