Hypospadias Surgery in Kolkata
What Is Hypospadias?
Hypospadias is a congenital difference in the development of the penis and urethra. The urethral opening (meatus) is situated on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip. It is usually present at birth, and the opening may be near the tip, along the shaft, or closer to the base.
Some children also have downward curvature of the penis, known as chordee, or a foreskin that is incompletely formed on the underside. Severity varies, and treatment decisions should be based on clinical examination rather than appearance alone.
Types of Hypospadias
Distal Hypospadias
The opening is near the head of the penis, such as at the glans or coronal margin. Anatomy and any curvature still need assessment.
Midshaft Hypospadias
The urethral opening lies along the middle portion of the penile shaft. Planning depends on the urethral plate, curvature, tissue availability and other anatomical findings.
Proximal Hypospadias
The opening is near the base of the penis, penoscrotal junction or perineum. These cases may involve more complex reconstruction and require careful evaluation of curvature and associated findings.
What Problems Can Hypospadias Cause?
Depending on severity, hypospadias may affect the direction of the urinary stream, cause difficulty directing urine while standing, or be associated with penile curvature. Some patients may have functional or appearance-related concerns later in life. Not every child experiences these problems.
When Is Hypospadias Surgery Recommended?
Surgery may be considered to improve urinary function, correct significant curvature, reconstruct the urethral opening and address relevant anatomical concerns. The decision depends on the child’s anatomy, symptoms, associated findings and specialist advice.
What Does the Surgeon Assess?
Assessment may include the location and shape of the urethral opening, degree of curvature, urethral plate and surrounding tissue, penile size, overall anatomy and any associated findings requiring further evaluation.
What Is the Best Age for Hypospadias Surgery?
Primary repair is commonly planned during infancy, often between 6 and 18 months of age. Timing varies according to the child’s health, type and severity of hypospadias and the treating team’s recommendations. Children presenting later can also be assessed.
Individualized Planning for Hypospadias Surgery
How Is Hypospadias Surgery Performed?
Preoperative Assessment
The surgeon reviews the child’s medical history and examines the urethral opening, penile curvature and available tissue. Additional specialist assessment may be needed in selected cases.
Urethral Reconstruction
When appropriate, the surgeon reconstructs the urethra to bring the urinary opening towards the tip of the penis. The method depends on the opening’s location, urethral plate, curvature and available tissue.
Correction of Penile Curvature
If chordee is present, the surgeon assesses and corrects the curvature as needed. The technique depends on its cause and severity.
Skin Coverage and Dressing
The reconstructed area is covered with suitable tissue and protected with a dressing. A urinary catheter or stent may be used according to the operation and surgeon’s protocol.
Types of Hypospadias Repair Techniques
The technique is selected according to the child’s anatomy and the complexity of the condition. Options may include:
Tubularised incised plate (TIP or Snodgrass) repair in selected cases where the urethral plate is suitable.
Other distal repairs selected according to the position of the opening and anatomy.
More complex reconstruction for proximal hypospadias.
Staged urethral reconstruction when curvature, tissue availability, scarring or severity makes a single-stage repair unsuitable.
No single technique is best for every child. The proposed approach should be discussed with the parents after clinical assessment.
Is Hypospadias Surgery a One-Stage or Two-Stage Procedure?
Many cases can be repaired in one operation, while selected complex cases require staged surgery. Factors include the position of the opening, degree of curvature, urethral plate quality, tissue availability, previous operations and scarring.
Anaesthesia and Duration of Surgery
Hypospadias repair in children is generally performed under general anaesthesia by an appropriately qualified anaesthesia team. Duration varies with complexity. The treating team should explain the anaesthesia plan, preoperative instructions and expected postoperative observation.
Recovery After Hypospadias Surgery
Recovery depends on the type of repair and the child’s individual circumstances. The following is a general guide; the surgeon’s specific instructions take priority.
Period | What parents can generally expect |
First 24–72 hours | Swelling, bruising and mild discomfort may occur. Pain relief and wound care are provided as prescribed. |
First 1–2 weeks | A dressing and/or catheter may be present, depending on the procedure. Parents receive instructions on hygiene, catheter care and activity. |
Following weeks | Swelling and tenderness gradually settle. Activities that could injure the area may need to be restricted. |
Subsequent follow-up | The surgeon assesses healing, urinary stream and possible complications. Longer-term reviews may be recommended. |
Catheter removal and return to normal activities depend on the operation. Parents should not remove a catheter or dressing unless instructed.
Risks and Possible Complications of Hypospadias Surgery
Hypospadias repair is an established reconstructive procedure, but no operation is entirely free of risk. Possible complications include:
Urethrocutaneous fistula, where urine leaks through an opening other than the reconstructed meatus.
Meatal stenosis, or narrowing of the urinary opening.
Urethral stricture, or narrowing along the reconstructed urethra.
Partial wound separation or breakdown.
Persistent or recurrent penile curvature.
Infection, bleeding or delayed healing.
Need for a further procedure or revision surgery.
Risk varies with severity, technique, tissue quality, previous surgery and other clinical factors. Individual risks should be discussed before surgery.
Follow-Up After Hypospadias Repair
Follow-up is important even after apparently successful healing. The treating team may assess wound healing, the reconstructed opening, urinary stream, signs of fistula or narrowing, penile curvature as the child grows, and whether further treatment is needed. Some complications may become apparent after the initial healing period.
Revision Hypospadias Surgery
Children or adults who have undergone a previous repair may need assessment for persistent curvature, fistula, narrowing, scarring, an unsatisfactory urinary stream or other reconstructive concerns. Revision surgery can be more complex because tissue may be scarred or limited; some cases require staged reconstruction.
Why Choose Prof. (Dr.) Souvik Adhikari?
When choosing a surgeon for hypospadias treatment, families should consider relevant surgical qualifications, experience with the specific reconstructive procedure, individualised planning, clear discussion of risks and follow-up arrangements.
Prof. (Dr.) Souvik Adhikari is a Professor & Consultant Plastic Surgeon with qualifications in plastic and reconstructive surgery and academic teaching experience. The proposed care pathway should include paediatric urology and paediatric anaesthesia support where clinically appropriate.
Consultation for Hypospadias Surgery in Kolkata
Parents arranging a consultation should bring previous surgical records, investigation reports and a list of concerns. Assessment can help clarify the type of hypospadias, whether surgery is appropriate, which approaches may be considered, what recovery involves and whether additional specialist evaluation is needed.
Arrange a consultation to discuss hypospadias assessment and treatment options in Kolkata.
Prof. (Dr.) Souvik Adhikari
MS, MCh (Plastic Surgery)
17+ years experience
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypospadias Surgery in Kolkata
What is hypospadias surgery?
Hypospadias surgery is a reconstructive procedure used to correct the position of the urethral opening on the underside of the penis. Depending on anatomy, surgery may also involve correcting curvature and reconstructing the urethra and surrounding tissues.
Is hypospadias surgery necessary for every child?
Not every child requires the same treatment. The decision depends on the urethral opening, curvature, urinary function, associated abnormalities and clinical assessment. A specialist can discuss potential benefits and limitations.
What is the best age for hypospadias repair?
Primary repair is commonly planned between 6 and 18 months of age, but timing depends on the child’s health, type of hypospadias and the treating team’s assessment. Older children can also be evaluated.
Is hypospadias surgery safe?
Hypospadias repair is an established reconstructive procedure, but no operation is entirely free of risk. Possible complications include fistula, narrowing, wound problems and persistent curvature. Individual risks should be discussed before surgery.
How long does hypospadias surgery take?
Duration varies according to the type of hypospadias, technique, and whether curvature correction or more extensive reconstruction is required. The surgeon can provide a more specific estimate after assessment.
Will my child need a urinary catheter after surgery?
A catheter or urethral stent is used in many repairs, but not every technique requires the same arrangement. If used, the surgeon will explain care and the expected removal plan.
How long does recovery take after hypospadias surgery?
Initial healing usually takes several weeks, although recovery varies. Catheter removal, return to normal activities and follow-up depend on the procedure and the surgeon’s instructions.
Can hypospadias surgery require another operation?
Some children develop complications such as a fistula, narrowing or recurrent curvature and may need further surgery. Risks vary with the severity and complexity of the repair.
What is the difference between distal and proximal hypospadias?
In distal hypospadias, the opening is near the tip of the penis. In proximal hypospadias, it is farther down the shaft or closer to the base. Proximal cases may involve more complex reconstruction, but each child needs individual assessment.
Can hypospadias be corrected in adults?
Adults with untreated hypospadias or complications from previous surgery can be assessed for reconstruction. Treatment depends on urinary function, curvature, tissue quality, scarring and prior operations.
What is the cost of hypospadias surgery in Kolkata?
Cost depends on complexity, technique, whether one or more operations are required, anaesthesia, hospital facilities and postoperative care. An individual estimate should be provided after assessment.
Where can I get hypospadias surgery in Kolkata?
Seek assessment from a qualified surgeon experienced in the relevant reconstructive procedure, with paediatric urological and anaesthesia support appropriate to the case. Ask about experience with the specific type, possible complications and follow-up arrangements.
Honest assessment, written estimate, no pressure to book.