Hypospadias is a birth defect of the male urethra that results in the urethral meatus (opening) being positioned in an abnormal location on the ventral (underside) aspect of the penis.
The defect ranges in severity depending on the location of urethral meatus. In mild variants, the meatus will be located near the end of the penis, and in severe cases the meatus will be positioned at the base of the penis or in the scrotum. Hypospadias is a common birth defect occurring in about 1 in 125 boys and can be corrected with surgical reconstruction.
Hypospadias is associated with an abnormal cosmetic appearance to the penis, including a dorsal hooded foreskin and ventral curvature of the penis (chordee), and can result in a downward deflection to the urinary stream which can makes it difficult to stand while urinating.
In most cases, hypospadias surgery is an outpatient procedure, although the child will be left with a small urethral stent or catheter that will need to be removed within 7 – 10 days. Complications of hypospadias surgery are fortunately uncommon, and are related to the severity of the hypospadias and the techniques required for reconstruction of the urethra. Potential complications include urethral stricture, urethral fistula formation, urethral diverticula, and dehiscence or breakdown of the repair