Hypospadias repair - series: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Skip navigation

Hypospadias repair - series

Indications

Hypospadias is a congenital anomaly in which the urethral opening is at the base of the penis, or along the inferior aspect of the shaft of the penis. Hypospadias is usually associated with an abnormal curvature of the penis, called "chordee". Hypospadias is one of the most common birth defects seen in infant boys. Surgery is necessary to allow normal urination, to correct the penis deformity, and to ensure normal sexual functioning. The repair is performed before the child reaches school age.

Update Date: 5/22/2008

Updated by: Scott M. Gilbert, MD, Department of Urology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.