Hypospadias Treatment and Care

Hypospadias is treated with advanced surgical techniques. At Liv Hospital, pediatric urology focuses on functional and aesthetic recovery with expert care.

The Goal of Surgical Reconstruction

The primary treatment for hypospadias is surgical reconstruction, performed by a specialized pediatric urologist. Since the condition is structural, it cannot be corrected with medication or "grown out of" as the child develops. The surgery has three main objectives: to create a new urinary channel that opens at the tip of the penis (urethroplasty), to straighten any downward curvature (chordee repair), and to reconstruct the skin and glans to achieve a natural, symmetrical appearance. At Liv Hospital, we prioritize both functional excellence—ensuring a strong, straight urinary stream—and aesthetic precision to support the child’s psychological well-being as they grow.

Optimal Timing for Intervention

In the 2026 clinical landscape, the recommended age for hypospadias repair is typically between 6 and 18 months. There are several biological and psychological reasons for this window. At this age, the tissues are highly vascular and heal rapidly with minimal scarring. Additionally, infants in this age group are not yet toilet trained and do not have "genital awareness," which significantly reduces the psychological stress associated with the procedure. Performing the surgery before the child enters the toddler years ensures they will have no memory of the event and will be fully recovered before reaching social milestones like preschool.

Chordee Repair (Orthoplasty)

Before the new urethra can be built, any curvature of the penis must be corrected. This process, known as orthoplasty, involves releasing the fibrous tissues on the underside that cause the penis to bend. The surgeon performs an "artificial erection test" in the operating room by injecting a sterile saline solution into the penile tissues to confirm that the shaft is perfectly straight. If the curvature is severe, specialized techniques such as "plication" or "grafting" may be used to lengthen the shorter side. Achieving a straight penis is essential for normal urinary direction and future sexual function.

Urethroplasty: Building the New Channel

The most complex part of the procedure is creating the new urethral tube. Surgeons at Liv Hospital utilize various techniques depending on the severity of the hypospadias. For most distal cases, the Snodgrass (TIP - Tubularized Incised Plate) technique is used, where the existing urethral plate is widened and rolled into a tube. In more severe cases where there is not enough native tissue, the surgeon may use a skin flap from the hooded foreskin or a graft from the inside of the cheek (buccal mucosa) to create the channel. These microsurgical techniques require extreme precision to ensure the new tube is the correct diameter and remains "watertight."

Glansplasty and Skin Coverage

Once the new urethra is in place, the head of the penis (glans) is reconstructed around the new opening. This step, called glansplasty, ensures the meatus is properly supported and shaped. Finally, the surgeon addresses the skin coverage. Since the foreskin is usually "hooded" or incomplete, parents often choose to have the excess skin removed to create a circumcised look. Alternatively, in some cases, the skin can be reconstructed to look like a normal, uncircumcised penis. At Liv Hospital, we discuss these aesthetic options with parents beforehand to ensure the final result meets the family’s preferences.

Advanced Pain Management Protocols

At Liv Hospital, we understand that a child’s comfort is the top priority for parents. We utilize a "multimodal" approach to pain management that begins before the surgery starts. Our pediatric anesthesiologists often perform a "caudal block" or a local nerve block while the child is asleep. Bu uyuşturma işlemi, ameliyattan sonra 6 ila 12 saat boyunca tam bir ağrısızlık sağlar, bu da çocuğun ameliyathaneden sakin bir şekilde çıkmasına ve ilk beslenmesini rahatça yapmasına olanak tanır. After discharge, mild oral medications are used to manage any minor discomfort during the healing phase.

Use of Urinary Stents and Catheters

To protect the newly constructed urethra while it heals, a small, soft tube called a stent or catheter is often left in place. This tube ensures that urine does not put pressure on the delicate suture lines and prevents the new opening from narrowing as the initial swelling occurs. Depending on the complexity of the repair, the stent may drain directly into the diaper or into a small collection bag. At Liv Hospital, we use specialized, non-irritating materials for these stents, and they are typically removed in a quick, painless office visit 7 to 10 days after the surgery.

Multidisciplinary Pediatric Support

At Liv Hospital, your child is cared for by a dedicated pediatric team. This includes not only the surgeon but also specialized pediatric nurses, child life specialists, and anesthesiologists who work exclusively with infants. We provide a "home-like" environment in our pediatric wards to reduce anxiety for both the child and the parents. From the pre-operative "play therapy" sessions to the post-operative feeding support, every element of our care is designed to make the surgical experience as positive and gentle as possible for your family.

Global Standards and Personalized Care

Every child’s anatomy is unique, and we do not believe in a "one-size-fits-all" surgical approach. Our specialists at Liv Hospital take the time to evaluate the specific tissue quality and degree of curvature to select the best technique for your son. We provide transparent communication, using 3D models and diagrams to explain the procedure to parents. Our goal is to achieve a result that allows your child to grow up with full functional confidence, ensuring that the hypospadias becomes a distant memory from their infancy.

Microsurgical Excellence at Liv Hospital

The success of hypospadias surgery depends on the quality of the first operation. Liv Hospital is a center of excellence for pediatric reconstructive urology, featuring surgeons who use high power optical magnification and sutures thinner than a human hair. By utilizing microsurgical principles, we minimize tissue trauma and reduce the risk of common complications like "fistulas" (small leaks) or "strictures" (narrowing). Our commitment to surgical precision in 2026 means that most of our patients achieve an excellent functional and cosmetic result in a single stage.