Postpubertal examination after hypospadias repair is necessary to evaluate the success of the primary reconstruction.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital anomalies. There are many studies describing successful initial repair, but there are few studies examining long-term result. The aims of this study were to evaluate our patients that have been reconstructed for hypospadias and undergone final clinical examination after puberty and to assess how long clinical follow-up time is warranted after hypospadias repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A standard protocol, with visits at ages 7, 10, 13 and a final clinical examination at the age of 16, was followed. To objectify our long-term functional and aesthetic results, Hypospadias Objective Scoring Evaluation (HOSE) was used. RESULTS: A total of 114 boys reconstructed between 1989 and 2009 had undergone final clinical examination. Seventy-nine were classified as degree I, 25 as degree II, 6 degree III, 3 as degree IV, and 1 boy could not be classified retrospectively. Sixty-seven boys were operated on in stages according to Byars, 25 according to Mathieu, and 14 according to Scuderi. Only eight patients needed release of chordee and realignment of skin. Ten boys needed closure of fistulas and strictures had to be operated on in four cases. At the concluding visit, 86% of the patients had an excellent result according to the total HOSE score. It was noted that six patients had developed an incurvation between the prepubertal and postpubertal checkup. CONCLUSION: It is important that the boys are followed according to a planned standardized protocol until they have passed puberty as incurvation may occur during puberty.